For those of you that watched Friday’s “Strikeforce Challengers 19” event, then you are already in the know. However, if you missed last night’s Showtime broadcast, Strikeforce officials confirmed Cristiane “Cyborg” Santos (Pictured) will defend her middleweight crown against Hiroko Yamanaka in their December 17th show.
Cyborg owns a dominant 10–1 record, but hasn’t been seen since jamming her knees into Jan Finney at “Fedor vs. Werdum” last June. The baddest female on the planet was negotiating a new contract during her hiatus and finally came to terms with the promotion last month.
Yamanaka holds a respectable 12-1 pro mark, but is expected to be a significant underdog against the Brazilian. Eight of Yamanaka’s 12 victories have come by way of decision.
A lightweight title tilt between reigning champ Gilbert Melendez and Jorge Masvidal is expected to headline the show.
The San Diego Sports Arena in San Diego, California is the front runner to host the shindig. Showtime will broadcast the card’s main bouts.
Here is the event’s updated lineup:
Keith Jardine vs. TBD
Gina Carano vs. TBD
Gegard Mousasi vs. Ovince St. Preux
Hiroko Yamanaka vs. Cristiane “Cyborg” Santos (Strikeforce Women’s Middleweight Champion)
Jorge Masvidal vs Gilbert Melendez (Strikeforce Lightweight Champion)
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