Strikeforce continues to add talent to its ever-growing roster, as the San Jose-based promotion recently signed K-1 and MMA veteran Melvin Manhoef to an exclusive multi-year U.S. deal. News of Manhoef's signing was first reported by MMA FanHouse.

Manhoef was in talks to make his Strikeforce debut against Robbie Lawler at the promotion's Dec. 19 "Evolution" card in San Jose, Calif., however, Trevor Prangley is now expected to face Lawler at the event. Also hampering Manhoef from taking the Lawler fight is the fact that he has a prior fight commitment overseas at Dream's annual New Year's Eve event. He will likely make his Strikeforce debut in early 2010.

The 33-year-old is very flexible with what weight division he can fight at. He has previously competed in the middleweight, light-heavyweight and heavyweight divisions.

The Strikeforce signing of Manhoef can set up interesting matches, which could include a future match up with Lawler as well as a discussed future match up with rising star Muhammad "King Mo" Lawal. A rematch against current Strikeforce light-heavyweight champ Gegard Mousasi could also be in the future for Manhoef. Mousasi previously defeated Manhoef via first round submission at DREAM 6 in Sept. 2008.

Manhoef is 1-2 in his three MMA fights, most recently losing to Paulo Filho at Dream 11 in July. His lone win over the span came against Mark Hunt via first round knockout at New Year's Eve Fields Dynamite!! card in Dec. 2008. Prior to his recent 1-2 stretch, Manhoef put together a five fight win streak from July 2007 to June 2008, which included wins over Bernard Ackah, Fabio Silva and Kazushi Sakuraba.

During his 14-year career, Manhoef has fought for other notable promotions such as K-1 Heros, Rings and Cage Rage, where he held the now-defunct promotion's light-heavyweight belt. He sports a 23-6-1 MMA record, with an amazing 22 of his wins being by TKO or KO. He holds other notable career wins over the likes of Evangelista Santos, Shungo Oyama, Crosley Gracie and Ian Freeman.

Manhoef also holds a 37-8 kickboxing record, with 27 of his wins coming by knockout.