Renato “Babalu” Sobral vs. Bobby Southworth
In the semi main event, former UFC star Renato “Babalu” Sobral, who saw his tenure with the company end after a controversial anaconda choke against David Heath, will square off with Ultimate Fighter Season 1 also-ran Bobby Southworth for Strikeforce’s Light Heavyweight title belt. The two men’s paths will cross after markedly different UFC careers, Babalu having been constantly in the title picture and Southworth never gaining much traction in the big show.
Bobby Southworth, despite being a fairly skilled and well-rounded fighter, is no doubt best remembered for the constant abuse he and cohort Josh Koscheck sent Chris Leben’s way on The Ultimate Fighter, or for his grueling weight cut on the same show, which saw him flopping around on the floor crying for help. A decent puncher and grappler who recently captured the Strikeforce 205 pound title by avenging a loss against Anthony Ruiz, Southworth does not truly excel in any one area, and is at best a placeholder champion until he steps in the ring with Babalu.
Sobral, for his part, is a dangerous striker and grappler who has gone toe to toe with many of the top light heavyweights, and even heavyweights, in the world, and has still amassed an impressive professional record of 30 wins with only 7 losses. Babalu comes into this fight with a marked advantage in everything but size, and barring any huge mental gaffes should be able to handle Southworth easily.
I see him picking Southworth apart on the feet for a while before securing a takedown and doling out blows from top position.
Prediction: An easy unanimous decision win for Sobral, who will capture the first title belt of his illustrious career.
