Strikeforce ‘Challengers 6’ Lineup Finalized

Lawson will carry a five-fight winning streak into the match. The 29-year-old, Concord, Calif.-based middleweight last appeared in April, when he stopped Waylon Kennell on first-round strikes at Strikeforce “Shamrock vs. Diaz.” Lawson has finished his last four opponents inside one round and has never tasted defeat in five appearances under the Strikeforce banner.

Anchored in San Jose, Calif., Phillips will enter his Strikeforce debut on a three-fight losing streak. He has not competed since his unanimous decision defeat to Kito Andrews at a Battle of the Valley show four months ago in Stockton, Calif. Phillips, despite his recent struggles, has never been finished as a professional.

A middleweight bout pairing former Bodog Fight champion Trevor Prangley with Karl Amoussou will headline “Challengers 6,” along with a women’s 135-pound title fight between the unbeaten Sarah Kaufman and Smackgirl veteran Takayo Hashi.