In an attempt to steal some of Muhammed “King Mo” Lawal’s spotlight on Thursday, the light heavyweight’s former employer held a conference call during the exact same time as his to announce their next show. Strikeforce will be taking its talents to the Rose Garden in Portland, Oregon on July 14th.
Middleweight champ Luke Rockhold (Pictured) will defend his crown against Tim Kennedy in the event’s featured attraction.
Rockhold is perfect through his past eight scraps en route to capturing the belt. He made his first successful title defense in January by putting Keith Jardine down in the opening round of their shootout.
Kennedy has been sitting the sidelines since beating Robbie Lawler last July. The former military hero secured his top contender status by winning six of his last seven fights.
A middleweight affair with Jardine and Roger Gracie, as well as a 185-pound tango between Lawler and Lorenz Larkin were also reported for the lineup.
Although the organization didn’t announce the scrap during today’s call, the rumor mill is suggesting Nate Marquardt will battle Tyron Woodley for the vacant Strikeforce welterweight title in Portland.
Showtime will broadcast the main card beginning at 10PM ET/PT.
Here is the show’s current roster:
Lorenz Larkin vs. Robbie Lawaler
Roger Gracie vs. Keith Jardine
Tim Kennedy vs. Luke Rockhold (Strikeforce Middleweight Champion)