Strikeforce Miami Preview: Melvin Manhoef, Robbie Lawler Collide in Monumental Showdown of Power

Some moments in life are engrained in our memories forever. Typically, our generation remembers what we were doing when September 11th took place or when Michael Jackson tragically passed away. These questions generally revolve around something bad that's happened. My father's generation was the JFK assassination, Elvis' death, and the end of the Beatles. But in early January, I swore to change all that.

I want to add another great moment to my memory banks. Yes, right up there with the birth of a child, marriage to an Italian supermodel, and the winning of the first $1 billion dollar Mega Millions lottery. For nearly two-and-a-half years,I pined for this fight to happen, and on a late evening in early January of 2010 -- it happened.

I was on the phone with a friend discussing the upcoming WEC 46 and UFN 20 cards when the news hit my Google Reader with the force and tenacity of a Suriname-born middleweight kickboxer. My friend is talking in the phone as I'm stunned into paralysis in front of my computer -- "Dude, are you still there?" Suddenly without any warning, I set the phone down, stared at the monitor for a second, and slowly began to "slow clap" my way to full-fledged applause.

Of course, I knew my buddy could hear me, and it was all for show -- but that doesn't change the fact that the middleweight showdown between Dutch powerhouse kickboxer "Marvelous" Melvin Manhoef (24-6-1, 0-0 SF) and UFC/EliteXC veteran "Ruthless" Robbie Lawler (16-5, 0-1 SF) was a fight I had been blabbing to my friends about for the last two years. It made perfect sense to me. Manhoef is a kickboxer with huge knockout power, and Lawler has turned into a patient heavy-handed knockout artist. Fireworks immediately pop out of those two being mentioned in the same sentence.

Unfortunately for all of you, I'm one of the most biased Melvin Manhoef fans on the planet. But I'm fortunate enough to be logical in my thinking when it comes to any fight, a favorite or not. I won't beat around the bush here. This isn't the easiest fight for Manhoef to win, and a lot of the buzz surrounding this fight relies on Manhoef blitzing Lawler into unconsciousness. Unfortunately, I don't think it'll be that easy.

Stylistically, both men will likely stand and bang here. I'm a bit hesitant to believe Lawler's friend and training partner Matt Hughes and Lawler himself stating they'll want to trade with Manhoef as Lawler does possess the trainers and background to actually wrestle Manhoef to the floor, but Lawler has predominantly been a striker for most, if not all, of his career. The pre-fight interviews somewhat give me a hint that Lawler may pull off a gameplan switch, but Manhoef's training at ATT and improving takedown defense have to be something Lawler is looking at as well.

Manhoef should be the better striker in this fight as he's a solid K-1 fighter in his own right. The only knock on Manhoef has been his size and his chin has shown weaknesses at times. That really helps Lawler in this fight as he has the power to end anyone's night rather quickly, and his patient style that he's been using in his more recent battles should work well to find a home for his overhand against a surging Manhoef.

The downside for Lawler is that he'll need to land the knockout blow before Manhoef lands a flurry of power. As Misaki and past opponents have found out, Manhoef has the power to punch through defenses and crush foes. A patient gameplan could work well in wearing out Melvin early, and going for the kill in the later rounds.

Obviously, I'm picking Melvin Manhoef. He'll fight anyone, anytime, anywhere, and he'll always give you an entertaining fight. I think Lawler is a solid pick though, and the line on Lawler is ripe for a bet as well if  he can withstand the first round of action. I think people are truly overlooking Robbie in this fight. But... WAR MANHOEF!