A pivotal welterweight contest between veterans Jay Hieron and Joe Riggs is in the works for Strikeforce: "Miami" in January. News of the bout was first reported by MMAjunkie.com.

One of the reasons Hieron chose to sign with Strikeforce over the UFC is because he thought he would receive an immediate title shot, however, a shot at the Strikeforce welterweight title has twice eluded him.

Hieron was originally set to face Nick Diaz for Strikeforce's first-ever welterweight title in August, however, Diaz was scratched from the event after he failed to appear for a required pre-fight drug test mandated by the California State Athletic Commission. He then was passed over for a title shot after Diaz was matched up against DREAM welterweight champion Marius Zaromskis at the Jan. 30 event.

Hieron (18-4) is currently riding a six fight winning streak, most recently defeating Jesse Taylor in his Strikeforce debut at August's Strikeforce: "Carano vs. Cyborg." His last defeat came back in June 2007, where he suffered a brutal first round TKO loss at the hands of Brad Blackburn.

Hieron has fought all over the place during his six-year caree for notable promotions such as Ring of Combat, WEC, UFC, Affliction and the IFL, where he put together a 7-2 record and captured the now defunct promotion's welterweight title. The Xtreme Couture product has finished 11 of his 18 career wins and holds other notable wins over the likes of Ronald Jhun, Pat Healy, Jake Ellenberger, Delson Heleno, Mark Miller and Jason High.

Riggs (32-11) is also streaking, as he has won his last four bouts, most recently defeating Nick Almen at Ironman MMA 1 on Dec. 11. He sports a 3-2 Strikeforce record, holding wins in the organization over Eugene Jackson, Luke Stewart and Phil Baroni.

Though he has competed for other notable promotions such as WEC and Art of War, Riggs has fought the majority of his eight-year career with the UFC and Rage in the Cage. He has scored stoppages in 29 of his 32 career wins and holds wins over the likes of Chris Lytle, Nick Diaz, Joe Doerksen and Kendall Grove.

Strikeforce: "Miami" takes place on Jan. 30 at the BankAtlantic Center in Sunrise, Fla., with the main card to bel aired live on Showtime.

The event is headlined by the aforementioned fight between Nick Diaz and Marius Zaromskis for Strikeforce's vacant welterweight title. In addition, Strikeforce women's featherweight champ Cristiane "Cyborg" Santos will defend her title for the first time against Marloes Coenen.