What is next for the winners and losers of Strikeforce: Cincinnati

Maximo Blanco vs. K.J. Noons:

Pat Healy submitted Blanco by a modified rear naked choke in the second round of their September 10^th fight. For the majority of this match, it was the smaller Blanco who was controlling the fight and winning with his quicker and more proficient stand up game. Blanco was impressive in defeat, as was K.J. Noons in his recent loss to Jorge Masvidal. Seeing these two scrappy lightweights face off will make for an interesting matchup, and makes sense for both of the athletes.

Joe Duarte vs. Pat Healy:

After recently defeating Jorge Gurgel, Duarte put himself on the map and now is in position to face another winning lightweight. Although “Bam Bam” struggled early in his last fight, he found the submission as he overpowered the smaller Blanco on the ground.

King Mo vs. Rafael Cavalcante:

King Mo has been clamoring for a rematch with “Feijao” even before earning an impressive knockout in Cincinnati. Since their earlier title fight, these light heavyweights have both won by impressive knockouts. King Mo was dethroned by Cavalcante and would like nothing more now than to get his revenge, and eventually his belt back.

Roger Gracie vs. Forrest Griffin:

Roger Gracie will be able to use his Gracie name and get into the UFC. Facing Forrest will give Gracie the chance to show off his superior jiu-jitsu should he be able to submit the grappling veteran. Gracie who will most surely look to put the fight on the mat will also test Griffin’s takedown defense. The two light heavyweights are both coming off losses, and Gracie’s chin has proven to be a problem. A fight with Forrest will test the Brazilian’s ability to stand with other fighters, and because Griffin is not as quick as King Mo, who knocked out Gracie rather easily, Roger will have a great opportunity to win in the UFC.

Luke Rockhold vs. Tim Kennedy:

If Strikeforce awarded fight of the night bonuses, Rockhold and Souza would have received this honor for their five round battle on September 10th. Rockhold’s superior kickboxing earned him the title over Jacare who ate punch after kick the entire bout. Seeing if Kennedy can neutralize Rockhold’s ongoing precision attack with his top level wrestling will be an interesting first title defense for the AKA champion.

Jacare Souza vs. Damien Maia:

After losing his title to Rockhold, Souza will have some time before he gets a rematch for the Strikeforce Middleweight title, and for now Strikeforce has very little interesting to offer him (a familiar problem). A former UFC number one contender fighting the former Strikeforce Champion would make for an interesting skirmish. This is a fight that may very well remain standing given that both fighters possess elite jiu-jitsu skills that could cancel each other out. The improved striking of Maia that he showcased in his last fight against Mark Munoz will test the granite chin that Jacare utilized in his fight with Luke Rockhold.

Antonio Silva vs. Shane Carwin:

Bringing “Big Foot” over to the UFC will be a great draw for Zuffa. A heavyweight co-main even matchup between the pair of fighters with the biggest hands in all of sports could be a very popular showdown. These two colossal men each possess powerful hands and are physically the biggest adversaries that Zuffa has to offer. Seeing these giants face off will not only make UFC’s octagon look diminutive, but also will almost guarantee a knockout finish.