Strikeforce Heavyweight GP Reserve bout: Shane del Rosario vs. Lavar Johnson
Odds: (-215 Del Rosario /+175 Johnson )
Betting Pick: Del Rosario
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In another Grand Prix reserve bout, undefeated slugger Shane del Rosario will look to position himself for a spot in the tournament against experienced knockout artist Lavar Johnson. What makes this fight so interesting is that both guys have knockout power in their hands and both guys represent a big step up in competition for each other. Neither guy has faced anyone as dangerous as the other, so this is a really interesting bout that could shine a light on both guys’ futures.
Lavar Johnson, making his first appearance in Strikeforce after 3 dominant knockout wins on the Strikeforce Challengers Series, is a very seasoned veteran who has been competing since 2004. After losing his first bout by TKO, Johnson came into his own, dropping only two bouts since, both by submission and one because of an injury sustained during the fight. There is no question that Johnson’s best tool is his punching, which is hugely powerful. If Johnson lands a power punch, whoever he hits is in trouble, no matter who they are or how good their chin is. His ground game isn’t very good at all, but he is a big guy with a lot of strength and his punching can make guys pay for trying to force takedown attempts.
Shane del Rosario, undefeated in 10 bouts as a professional, has never even gone the distance in one of his fights. Only once has he seen the other side of the first round. The majority of his wins are by T/KO, but he also brings a very slick and technical ground game to the table, which could well be the deciding factor in this fight. del Rosario is not as gritty and powerful as Johnson is, but he is a far superior fighter from a technical standpoint.
I think this is going to be a tough fight for Johnson as long as del Rosario works a smart game plan. Clearly del Rosario is a force to be reckoned with on the feet, but engaging in a standup fight with Johnson would be putting himself at risk of eating a huge power punch and taking a quick nap. It is entirely likely del Rosario could hold his own in the striking exchanges with his superior quickness, technique, and footwork, but he has the tools to put Johnson on his back where he is far less comfortable. I think del Rosario will work a takedown and top control game, taking Johnson out of his element, softening him up with ground and pound, and eventually securing a choke for the submission victory.
Prediction: Shane Del Rosario via second round rear naked choke.
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