The UFC’s main competition in the United States, Strikeforce has big news brewing.
Pezão will have his hands full with Arlovski. Photo: Carlos Ozório
As Antonio Pezão had previously announced in an exclusive GRACIEMAG.com interview (see here), Andrei Arlovski signed with the event and shall be his next opponent, on May 15. The former UFC champion confirmed the news over his official website.
Now Brett Rogers, who recently suffered his first career loss to Fedor Emelianenko and was also in Pezão’s sights, shall have before him Alistair Overeem. The bout will not count for the title, now in the Dutchman’s possession, and should also take place on May 15, in St. Louis.
The other big-name acquisition the event can boast of is Japanese sensation Shinya Aoki. The grappling specialist will face off against current Strikeforce lightweight champion Gilbert Melendez. The fight, although it hasn’t been announced officially, will likely take place April 17 in Tennessee. At the same event, broadcast live on CBS, Jake Shields faces Dan Henderson and Gegard Mousasi faces Muhammed King Mo, in another title bout.