A middleweight bout between explosive strikers Robbie Lawler and Melvin Manhoef is in the works for Strikeforce: "Miami" on January 30 at the BankAtlantic Center in Sunrise, Fla. The bout was first reported by our friends over at FiveOuncesofPain.com.
Manhoef and Lawler were in early discussions to meet at Strikeforce: "Evolution" on Dec. 19, however, Manhoef was unable to fight at the event due to fact that he has a previous fight commitment in Japan on Dec. 31.
Lawler (16-5) was originally set to face Trevor Prangley at the Strikeforce: "Evolution" event last month, however, Prangley withdrew last minute from the event due to an injury. Strikeforce opted to scratch Lawler from the event instead of finding him a new opponent.
Lawler hasn't fought since losing to Jake Shields via first-round submission at Strikeforce "Lawler vs. Shields" in June. Prior to the loss, he was on a six-fight unbeaten streak, which included wins over Joey Villasenor, Frank Trigg, Murilo Rua and Scott Smith.
During his eight-year career, Lawler has fought for notable promotions such as Extreme Challenge, SuperBrawl, King of the Cage, Icon Sport, Pride and the UFC. He has finished 14 of his 16 career wins including 13 by TKO or KO, and holds other notable career wins over the likes of Aaron Riley, Tiki Ghosn, Chris Lytle and Falaniko Vitale (x2).
Manhoef (24-6-1) is coming off of a first-round TKO win over Kazuo Misaki at the New Year's Eve Dynamite!! 2009 event. The win improved him to 2-1 in his last three bouts, with his lone loss over that span coming in his previous fight against Paulo Filho at Dream 11 in July.
Manhoef, who also holds a 37-8 professional kickboxing record, has fought for other notable promotions throughout his 14-year career such as K-1 Heros, Rings and Cage Rage, where he held the now-defunct promotion's light-heavyweight belt. He has finished an amazing 23 of his 24 career wins by TKO or KO and holds other notable career wins over the likes of Evangelista Santos, Shungo Oyama, Crosley Gracie and Ian Freeman.
Strikeforce: "Evolution" will be headlined by a 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.
The two above mentioned headlining fights are the only two which have been announced for the fast approaching event so far. A welterweight bout between Joe Riggs and Jay Hieron is rumored for the card as well as the anticipated Strikeforce debuts of Bobby Lashley and Heisman Trophy winner and former NFL player, Herschel Walker.
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