Strikeforce Predictions

Originally posted on MMAtorch.com

Phil Baroni vs. Joe Riggs: This one's been heating up with both fighters hurling trash talk towards each other as the fight nears. Riggs is still upset he got passed over by Jake Shields in favor of Shields' bout with Lawler on this card and doesn't feel like Baroni's in his league. Well Baroni feels he's a different fighter at 170 lbs. and wants to beat that point into the face of Joe Riggs. This is going to be a fun brawl while it lasts and should provide a path to the next step for both fighters. Baroni's 13-10 record isn't anything special, but he's still got a lot of power in his punches and moreso now at welterweight. His strength and power are going to be what he needs to utilize to win a tough bout. Riggs is over forty fights into his professional career at the age of 26, and it has certainly taken a toll on him physically and mentally in that time. The last few years have been marred by a recurring back injury and a problem with painkillers that forced him to pull out of a bout. He's looking to get back on track and this one should be a back and forth fight on the feet. If Riggs is allowing himself to overlook Baroni because of his belief that Baroni's not on his level then he'll be brought back to Earth quickly. This is going to be a much more even fight than he's thinking it will be but if Riggs is in shape and ready for a fight he'll take a unanimous decision.

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