Bellator Vet Nate James Signs with Strikeforce, Debuts Aug. 12

The American Kickboxing Academy fighter announced the news Thursday via Twitter. Though James did not name his opponent for the event, the fighter did specify that his bout would take place at middleweight.

Headlined by a lightweight scrap between Jorge Gurgel and Joe Duarte, Strikeforce Challengers 18 will emanate from the Palms Casino Resort in Las Vegas. The event is also expected to feature an additional 155-pound showdown between Pat Healy and Eric Wisely. Also recently added to the main draw is a 145-pound women’s contest pitting Ronda Rousey against Sarah D’Alelio.

After fighting for nearly five years on the Oklahoma and California circuits, James made his first and only Bellator appearance in April, falling by split decision to Tyler Stinson in an undercard bout. James most recently recovered from the defeat by outpointing Marcus Sursa on June 18. The middleweight has finished half of his career victims by either knockout or submission, and he has never been knocked out as a pro.