As expected, Melvin Manhoef will replace injured Luke Rockhold to face Tim Kennedy at “Strikeforce: Columbus” on March 5th.
Manhoef has won seven of his last 11 mixed martial arts contests. Although he’s participated in more than 60 professional fights between MMA and kickboxing, he is seeking his first MMA victory in the United States.
“I come to fight and give my very best,’’ Manhoef stated. “I am very, very hungry. I need to win this fight. I am looking forward to fighting Tim Kennedy.’’
Kennedy is looking to rebound from a hard-fought decision loss to Ronaldo “Jacare” Souza for the then-vacant middleweight title back in August. He holds a 12-3 record overall.
Rockhold was forced to pull out after injuring his left leg during training.
“Strikeforce: Columbus” takes place inside the Nationwide Arena in Ohio. A light heavyweight title fight between champ Rafael “Feijão” Cavalcante and Dan Henderson will headline the event.
Here are the fighters slated to participate in the Showtime broadcast:
Individual Bouts:
Roger Bowling vs. TBD
Jorge Gurgel vs. TBDMain Bouts:
Billy Evangelista vs. Jorge Masvidal
Tim Kennedy vs. Melvin Manhoef
Miesha Tate vs Marloes Coenen (Strikeforce Women’s 135-Pound Champion)
Dan Henderson vs. Rafael “Feijão” Cavalcante (Strikeforce Light Heavyweight Champion)
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