Strikeforce Teams With Toys for Tots at Henderson vs. Babalu 2

In an effort to make the holiday season a happy time for as many St. Louis residents as possible, Strikeforce has joined forces with Toys For Tots, the Marine Corps-managed, non-profit organization, to collect new, unwrapped toys for local underprivileged youth during the Strikeforce: Henderson vs. Babalu 2 event at Scottrade Center on Saturday, Dec. 4.

During the 10-bout event, several stations staffed by volunteers from the local Marine Corps will be set up inside Scottrade Center to collect toys from fans attending the event.  Monetary donations are accepted as well.

“Everything we collect stays in St. Louis,” said Marine Corps Sergeant Gavin Lewis, who manages the Toys For Tots program in the Gateway City area.  “It’s about local people helping local children, which is a phenomenal thing. When a company like Strikeforce pitches in, it really helps spread our reach in the community and makes it a successful drive.’

“When considering what to bring, fans should think about what would make their own child, niece or nephew happy.”

“Any time we can use one of our events as a vehicle to help with the needs of others, we’re more than happy to do it,” said Strikeforce CEO Scott Coker.  “St. Louis is a city that Strikeforce has become attached to since last year and being able to give back to the community is a very rewarding feeling.”

In the main event of Strikeforce’s return to Scottrade Center, Dan Henderson (25-8) faces former Strikeforce light heavyweight champion Renato “Babalu” Sobral (36-8) in a rematch between world-class 205-pounders. The two first fought a decade ago in Japan.

Other televised fights on Showtime include Antonio “Big Foot’’ Silva (14-2) vs. Valentijn Overeem (28-23), Paul Daley (25-9-2) vs. Scott Smith (17-7), and Robbie Lawler (17-6) vs. Matt Lindland (22-7).