Benji Radach (+120) vs. Ovince St. Preux (-130)
Benji Radach (21-5 MMA, 0-1 Strikeforce) is back in the cage for the first time since an April 2009 loss to Scott Smith. Radach will be giving up some weight in this fight. He has fought at 185 most of his career and even 170. This will be the first fight at 205 for him. Radach was a former wrestler, but he also has 16 career knockouts. Over his career he has beaten and lost to some notable fighters. He holds wins over: Murilo Rua, Gerald Harris and Brian Foster. The big names that have beaten him are fellow main card fighter Scott Smith, Chris Leben, and Sean Sherk.
Ovince St. Preux (8-4 MMA, 2-0 Strikeforce) is a former Tennessee Volunteer football player. Listed as a Haitian-American, St. Preux was a successful wrestler in high school placing 2nd his Senior year. St. Preux is fighting on two weeks rest after defeating Antwan Britt via decision at ShoMMA 12 last month. His only other notable fights are a a decision loss to Rodney “Sho Nuff The Master” Wallace in his debut, and a 8 second knockout victory over former UFC fighter Jason Day.
This is a hard fight to call and there is no way I am betting on it. Radach has the better MMA skills, but he is definitely giving up some size here. I’m also worried about how much ring rust Radach will have. I have the exact opposite concern about St. Preux. Fighting on 2 weeks notice after having a full 15 minute fight is hard to believe. ** I’m predicting St. Preux will secure a takedown and overpower Radach en route to a ground and pound induced TKO victory in the 2nd round.**