Breaking Down Strikeforce Henderson vs Babalu: Lawler Vs. Lindland

Added on Dec 03, 2010 by John Petit in

UFC & MMA

We hear all the time phrases like “classic grappler vs. striker,” but most of the time the fighters aren’t truly experts at their styles. Matt Lindland knows how to wrestle, and Robbie Lawler knows how to put fist to face. These guys are both naturals at their respective crafts, and they have both excelled at them too. Lawler has 16 knock out wins(out of 19 wins,) and Lindland was a US Olympic Greco-Roman Team. They both have a lot of experience, they are both cage savvy, and they are both in need of a win if they have hopes for a run at the title.

In Matt’s last 3 fights he was beaten by Jacare and UFC middleweight #1 contender Vitor Belfort, but he did manage to beat Kevin Casey in his last match. Casey is still a green fighter, but he proved to be a handful and a solid fighter before Lindland finished him in the third. Lindland never really developed his striking, and that has been his downfall in the past. He has always found a way to avoid the big hay makers, and close the distance for a take down. When you look at the laundry list of fighters Matt has stepped up against that is impressive when you think about it. He has also managed to develop a ground game. He has a dangerous guillotine choke, he knows how to stay calm and escape, and he can sweep most fighters from the bottom. If Lindland can work Lawler like he did Rampage, who was a much bigger fighter, and control Lawler on the floor, he can win this one.

Robbie Lawler enjoys putting fist to face, and he can seem like a hand grenade that won’t stop exploding in the cage if he is at his best. You shouldn’t lump Robbie in the category of strikers who are mediocre at stopping the take down. We don’t get to see it often, but he has decent upper body strength, and he has the ability to sprawl and scoop shooting fighters. Lawler needs to do what he does, and keep this fight standing. Both are south paws, and Lawler will want to circle to his right and keep a little distance between himself and Lindland. He should be ready to chop down the tree, and attack Matt’s lead leg. If he can slow down Lindland’s shot, even just a little bit, he could have an easy win. Matt likes to push his punches, and Lawler knows hows to find the button on the counter strikes. I think its safe to say Lindland’s chin is a little questionable.

I think there is a possibility for a small feeling out period, and I think Lawler will take advantage of the space while working on the lead leg of Lindland. I expect Lawler to really open up in the second minute of the fight, and really put some pressure on Lindland. If Lindland can weather the storm, or make this a clinch fight, he will have a chance at the win. I see them to being chest to chest on the fence, and Lawler creating some distance and lands a big shot that sends Lindland to the floor at the end of the first round.