Tate-Akano Announced for Aug. 13 Strikeforce Women's Tourney

The Showtime-televised event will host the tournament over one night, with the winner earning a title shot against the promotion’s 135-pound champion. Champion Sarah Kaufman will defend her crown against Roxanne Modafferi at Strikeforce Challengers 9 on July 23 in Kent, Wash.

Tate returns to the promotion following a second-round submission victory over Zoila Frausto at Strikeforce Challengers 7 last March. The 23-year-old Tacoma, Wash., native has only two career losses on her docket, with one against current champion Kaufman.

Akano, 35, made her promotional debut against 145-pound champion Cristiane “Cyborg” Santos, who pummeled the 135-pound Akano to a third-round stoppage in April 2009. Akano has since notched a win and split decision loss in Japan’s Jewels promotion.

Two more tournament entrants, as well as a reserve match, will be announced by the promotion shortly.