Henderson, ‘Babalu’ Official for St. Louis Showdown

Dan Henderson and Renato Sobral: Dave Mandel | Sherdog.com

In February 2000, Dan Henderson bested Renato “Babalu” Sobral via majority decision to win Rings’ 1999 King of Kings tournament. Ten years later, the two are ready to square off again.

Both Henderson (204.5) and Sobral (202) made weight on Friday ahead of their 205-pound affair at Strikeforce “Henderson vs. Babalu II,” which takes place Dec. 4 at the Scottrade Center in St. Louis, Mo. While not explicitly labeled a No. 1 contender bout, Strikeforce CEO Scott Coker has stated that the winner of the match will likely receive a title shot against the promotion’s light heavyweight champion, Rafael “Feijao” Cavalcante.

Welterweight sluggers Paul Daley (169.75) and Scott Smith (170) hit their targets for the evening’s semi-main event, which marks Smith’s first appearance at 170 pounds and Daley’s official Strikeforce debut. Fighting stalwarts Matt Lindland (185.5) and Robbie Lawler (186) were also made official for their middleweight clash.

“Henderson vs. Babalu II” airs live on Showtime Saturday at 10 p.m. ET. The televised undercard is set to include a heavyweight bout between Antonio Silva (263) and Mike Kyle (219) -- the latter a last-minute replacement for the injured Valentijn Overeem -- as well as a just-added light heavyweight scrap featuring Benji Radach (205.5) and Ovince St. Preux (205.5).

Also, several preliminary bouts will air live on Sherdog.com at 8 p.m. ET.

Strikeforce “Henderson vs. Babalu II” Weigh-in Results
Dan Henderson (204.5) vs. Renato “Babalu” Sobral (202)
Robbie Lawler (186) vs. Matt Lindland (185.5)
Antonio Silva (263) vs. Mike Kyle (219)
Paul Daley (169.75) vs. Scott Smith (170)
Benji Radach (205.5) vs. Ovince St. Preux (205.5)
Fernando Bettega (170.25) vs. Wayne Phillips (171)
Max Martyniouk (154.5) vs. Justin Lawrence (155.5)
Patrick Cummins (205.5) vs. Terrell Brown (208.25*)
Lucas Lopes (185) vs. Cortez Coleman (184.75)
Lee Brousseau (204) vs. Mike Glenn (207.25)
Thomas Aaron (155.5) vs. Matt Ricehouse (156)
Booker DeRousse (185) vs. Coltin Cole (185.5)
Josh Epps (127.5) vs. J.W. Wright (130.5)

* Sherdog.com has learned from a Strikeforce official that Cummins and Brown have agreed to fight without Brown cutting further weight. Glenn (207.25) and Brousseau have reached the same agreement.