Now that Strikeforce: Rousey vs. Kaufman is over, the focus shifts to the promotion’s Sept. 29 event in Sacramento, Calif.
The latest bout added to Strikeforce: Melendez vs. Healy is a showdown between lightweight contenders Josh Thomson and Caros Fodor. MMAWeekly.com confirmed the bout with sources close to the fight.
Thomson (19-5) last fought in a rubber match with Strikeforce lightweight champion Gilbert Melendez, losing a razor thin split decision. Due to that result, he had been rumored for consideration in challenging Melendez for a fourth time. Strikeforce officials decided to give Melendez a new challenger in Pat Healy instead.
Thomson has been in and out of consideration as one of the Top 10 lightweights over the years, but has been hampered in the latter part of his career by injuries.
Fodor (7-2) is one of Strikeforce’s rising young talents. He very well could have been the one fighting in the main event on Sept. 29, but suffered the first defeat of his Strikeforce tenure his last time out, losing to Healy in March.
Thomson first revealed the fight with Fodor to Sherdog.com over the weekend.
Melendez puts his belt on the line against Healy in the Strikeforce: Melendez vs. Healy main event.
Stay tuned to MMAWeekly.com for more Strikeforce and MMA news.