Strikeforce Main Event: "Ruthless" Robbie Lawler vs. Jake Shields

The main event at Saturday's night Strikeforce card will feature former UFC fighter and EliteXC middleweight champion "Ruthless" Robbie Lawler in a classic grappler vs. striker matchup against former EliteXC welterweight champion Jake Shields. For Lawler, he'll look to continue his five fight win streak since his loss to Jason "Mayhem" Miller back in 2005 at Icon Sport. Shields is currently riding an eleven fight win streak, but the move up in weight could prove to be difficult for Shields as Lawler is highly regarded as one of the best middleweights in the world.

Unlike many fighters that reside outside of the UFC, Lawler has been one of the few fighters who has had success. He's been able to not only take on quality competition, but he's managed to improve his skillset significantly from the time he was with the UFC back in 2002, 2003, and 2004. It wasn't unheard of to hear fans throw the moniker around that Robbie Lawler wasn't "Ruthless", but rather "Reckless". Most fans chalk this talk up to his standup war with another Strikeforce fighter in Nick Diaz at UFC 47 in which Lawler was caught with a straight right jab that ended the slugfest in surprising fashion.

Fast forward to 2009, you'll find a much more controlled and technical Robbie Lawler. While he still manages to have some problems with injuries as he's had throughout much of his career, Lawler's overall skillset is difficult for opponents to handle. He has massive power in his hands that is now coupled with patience and intelligence instead of a torrid pace and flailing shots. His takedown defense is very tough, and it truly allows Lawler to impose his gameplan on any opponent he faces.

Shields will have the tough task of trying to frazzle Lawler. The Cesar Gracie jiu-jitsu fighter will need to use his wrestling, jiu-jitsu, and Muay Thai kickboxing background to try to dent the armor of the powerful Lawler. Specifically, Shields' best chance at winning this matchup is putting Lawler on his back and using his quick transitions to try to either mount Lawler or move for a submission. Interestingly enough, Lawler hasn't fought a grappler with Shields' acumen in a long time, if ever.

It isn't too often in this era that we see a bout featuring a pure grappler vs. striker matchup. A lot of fighters in today's game have become much more well-rounded in both the grappling and striking game. While Shields has some striking ability, it's obvious that Lawler is the superior puncher. Although it isn't unfathomable that Shields will put Lawler to his back and impose his transition game, I'm more inclined to believe Lawler can stuff Shields and keep this one standing. That prediction isn't a solid bet though as Shields has more than enough skill to defeat Lawler.

With a win, it further cements the prospect of a Cung Le vs. Robbie Lawler title matchup. Shields will have some new blood to take care of in the welterweight division as Strikeforce has some able opponents in Nick Thompson, Joe Riggs, or Phil Baroni currently. Riggs and Baroni likely don't stand much of a chance, but Thompson has the ground tactics to at least give Shields a run for his money. With the prospect of DREAM potentially hooking up to co-promote events with Strikeforce, somebody like Andre Galvao could be another potential matchup. Wouldn't that be interesting?

Check out the rest of our Strikeforce: Lawler vs. Shields coverage