Berry-Villante Added to Strikeforce Challengers 18

Keith Berry (left) will try to right the ship versus Gian Villante. | Photo: Jeff Sherwood

Headlined by a lightweight scrap between Jorge Gurgel and Joe Duarte, the event will emanate from the Palms Casino Resort in Las Vegas. The main draw -- which airs live on Showtime -- is also expected to feature the Strikeforce debut of Olympic judoka Ronda Rousey, as she squares off with Sarah D'Alelio.

Known as the “KO Kid,” Berry has racked up seven of his 10 career victories by knockout. However, the Californian recently had a four-fight winning streak halted when he suffered back-to-back losses, most recently succumbing to a North-South choke from Trevor Smith at Strikeforce Challengers 16.

After rattling off eight-straight victories in the Ring of Combat promotion to start his career, Villante is still searching for his first Strikeforce win. The former college linebacker was knocked out in February by Chad Griggs in a heavyweight grand prix alternate bout and fared no better in his next outing at light heavyweight, falling by decision to knockout artist Lorenz Larkin in June.