Gina Carano and Cris Cyborg are set to headline the Aug. 15 Strikeforce Card, each vying for the first women’s belt in mixed martial arts. However, another title fight has since been added to the card.
After a challenge from Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu ace Fabricio Werdum to Alistair Overeem on April 11, these two heavyweights have been set to square off inside the octagon.
Strikeforce has announced that Alistair Overeem will defend his Strikeforce heavyweight belt against Fabricio Werdum in a bout to precede the Main Event between Cyborg and Carano.
To make matters all the more interesting, this fight will be the second to take place between the two, as Overeem seeks to avenge his first loss to Werdum, which ended in a submission via kimura back when they both fought in Pride.
“I’m very happy that I’m being given the opportunity to fight him again,” said Overeem in a Strikeforce press release. “This is the one rematch I’ve wanted. I’m going to punish this guy.”
Werdum, whose jiu-jitsu proved to be insurmountable for Overeem in their first match up, is simply happy he gets a shot at the champion.
Coming in as the challenger in a title match is a huge motivating factor for me,” statd Werdum in the press release. “To become the heavyweight champion for su a respected organization would be an honor that is beyond words.”
This match up may come as a shock to some, including Brett Rogers, who, after a devastating knockout over Andre Arlovski, seemed a likely contender for the belt. Boasting a 10-0 record, Rogers likely finds himself one victory away from the next title shot.
Strikeforce passing on Rogers this time around is likely the result of the fact Rogers was unknown before his victory over Arlovski. Another notable victory under his belt will ensure his shot at Strikeforce gold.
Until then, the heavyweight belt will be contested in a rematch featuring two of the greatest heavyweights Strikeforce has to offer, as Alistair Overeem looks to defend his belt against Fabricio Werdum, and gain the revenge he has been waiting for.
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