Green-Martinez Lightweight Bout Added to Jan. 7 Strikeforce Bill

Bobby Green has found himself a Strikeforce return on Jan. 7 in Vegas. | Photo: Jeff Sherwood

Taking place at the Hard Rock Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas, the show will be headlined by a middleweight title bout pitting champion Luke Rockhold in his first title defense against former UFC light heavyweight notable Keith Jardine.

Also featuring a 205-pound contest between former Strikeforce champion Muhammed Lawal and powerful striker Lorenz Larkin, the event will air on premium cable channel Showtime during a free preview weekend.

A former King of the Cage champion, Green has won three of four fights in 2011. “King” was edged via split decision in his Strikeforce debut in July, falling to Gesias Cavalcante at “Fedor vs. Henderson.” The Californian rebounded by posting back-to-back wins to close out 2011, submitting Charon Spain and James Reese in September and November.

Martinez is an eight-year veteran, most notably competing in Bellator’s first-ever lightweight tournament. Since being submitted by Toby Imada at Bellator’s inaugural event in 2009, Martinez has fought frequently, competing five times in 2010 and eight times in 2011.

A winner in eight of his last nine, “Zo Diddy” rides a two-fight winning streak into his showdown with Green, most recently finishing Mario Ramos in just 20 seconds on Dec. 16.