Weekend wrap: Victories for Barnett and Overeem, but fans unimpressed

Many observers saw Saturday’s Strikeforce event at the American Airlines Center as an audition for Josh Barnett and Alistair Overeem to take starring roles in the MMA heavyweight ranks. Both Strikeforce fighters have been subjected to harsh criticism from fans who felt they compared unfavourably to top UFC big men such as Cain Velazquez, Junior Dos Santos and Brock Lesnar.

Saturday was a chance to prove them wrong. Unfortunately, despite both emerging victorious, neither man particularly enhanced his reputation.

Overeem toils as Werdum spoils

In fairness, Overeem wasn’t helped by a bizarre display from his opponent, Fabricio Werdum, whose histrionics did little to endear him to the arena crowd. At times the Brazilian clasped his hands in prayer in a desperate attempt to goad big-punching Overeem to the mat. Given that Overeem has built his career on powerful striking, it was an insane ploy and showed the lengths to which Werdum would go to avoid engaging with the Dutchman.

This defensive display was particularly confusing, given that when Werdum did curl his hands into a fist, he had reasonable success with his right-hand. Ultimately his lack of ambition was recognised by the judges who handed Overeem a unanimous decision.

Barnett bulldozes Rogers

Barnett, whose PED (performance-enhancing drugs) controversies have been well-documented, had looked particularly focussed in the build-up to his contest with Brett Rogers. His impromptu wrestling promo at an open media workout brought some much-needed positive PR, becoming an overnight internet sensation.

The “Baby-faced Assassin” had been widely expected to dominate the crude-but-powerful Rogers, and did so in routine fashion. His style of catch wrestling was simply too much for his opponent, whose failure to mount any kind of attack prompted some very unfair booing from the crowd.

The win, by arm triangle, was solid if unspectacular. But Barnett can only beat what’s in front of him.

The future

The fact that we’ve heard so little from the UFC upper management doesn’t bode well for either fighter.

Of the two, Barnett will be more satisfied. He outclassed his opponent and his entertaining promos, both before and after the fight, were a glimpse at the intelligent, creative character beneath an occasionally abrupt surface.

Yes, he’s had his controversies. And yes he’s made mistakes. But Josh Barnett’s comeback is gaining momentum. It will take a very talented fighter to stop him.

Ralph Welch

Email: info@ultimatefightclub

Twitter: @ralphwelch