Strikeforce ‘Feijao vs. Henderson’ Preview

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Lightweights
Billy Evangelista vs. Jorge Masvidal

The Matchup: You always like a matchup between an unbeaten prospect and the veteran with an edge in experience.

Unbeaten in 11 professional fights, Evangelista has inched his way into prominence off the heels of decision wins over Jorge Gurgel and Waachiim Spiritwolf in Strikeforce. However, those wins, especially the one over Gurgel, were not quite the blowout-style performances one would expect from a prospect that plans to keep moving up the ladder.

Masvidal seems the perfect exam for him. The Miamian is a dangerous striker with an aggressive streak, tempered by solid standup and a solid all-around game. Masvidal is a tough customer and could make some strong inroads toward legitimate lightweight contention in the Strikeforce ranks with a win here.

Masdival initially made noise in the Bellator Fighting Championships Season 1 lightweight tournament, along with Eddie Alvarez, as one of the top 155-pounders in the draw. A shocking upset loss via inverted triangle submission to Toby Imada interrupted Masvidal’s ascent, and he has had to work to rebuild his career ever since. He has won three of his last five fights and remains a talented lightweight with significant upside.

Evangelista has a tall order here. His standup has been decent but not overwhelming, and Masdival figures to be more explosive in exchanges and technically superior on the ground. Experience in tough fights is always an asset, and Masdival has a huge edge there, as well. He has beaten accomplished veterans like Yves Edwards, Satoru Kitaoka and Joe Lauzon.

The Pick: Masdival should be able to apply his better standup and technique in a competitive fight in which he eventually wears down Evangelista en route to a third-round stoppage. Unless Evangelista has improved noticeably from recent outings, it is hard to see this one going his way.