And then there was one, as in only one title affair that will be showcased in “Strikeforce: ChampionS.” On Thursday, it was finally confirmed who Pat Healy and Lorenz Larkin will fight in the January 12th event now that lightweight king Gilbert Melendez and middleweight champ Luke Rockhold have been forced bow out of their respective bouts.
As been rumored, Healy will in fact battle former top contender Jorge Masvidal (Pictured). Larkin, meanwhile, meets prior 185-pound champion Ronaldo “Jacare” Souza.
In addition, a light heavyweight contest between Roger Gracie vs. Anthony Smith and a middleweight shootout with Trevor Smith and Tim Kennedy were also reported for the lineup.
Nate Marquardt defends his middleweight crown against Tarec Saffiedine in the show’s featured attraction.
Chesapeake Energy Arena in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma will serve as host.
Showtime broadcasts the main card at 10PM ET/PT.
Here is the card’s current roster:
Ryan Couture vs. K.J. Noons
Trevor Smith vs. Tim Kennedy
Roger Gracie vs. Anthony Smith
Pat Healy vs. Jorge Masvidal
Nandor Guelmino vs. Josh Barnett*
Lorenz Larkin vs. Ronaldo “Jacare” Souza
Mike Kyle vs. Gegard Mousasi
Danie Cormier vs. Dion Staring
Tarec Saffiedine vs. Nate Marquardt (Strikeforce welterweight champion)
* – Not yet confirmed