Derek Brunson Off March 3 Strikeforce Card; Replacement Sought to Face ‘Jacare’

Coker announced the news during a media conference call on Tuesday, citing a failed pre-fight medical as the reason for Brunson’s withdrawal. Coker declined to reveal specifics surrounding the situation, but did state that the issue was not severe.

Brunson subsequently announced via Twitter that a failed eye exam was the cause of his removal. A replacement is currently being sought.

“Failed medicals [equals] eye exam,” wrote Brunson. “I’ve been fighting with contacts for 11 fights, [and this was] never was an issue. Ohio won’t pass my eye exam. I’m working on getting Lasik [eye surgery] this week. I’ll be back in no time.”

Taking place at Nationwide Arena in Columbus, Ohio, the March 3 event will be headlined by the titular women’s 135-pound title confrontation between reigning champion Miesha Tate and judo ace Ronda Rousey. Airing on Showtime, the event will also feature a lightweight co-main event between two former champions in K.J. Noons and Josh Thomson.

Brunson, 28, has been perfect through his 21 months as a professional, posting three consecutive wins in the Strikeforce cage last year. The prospect debuted for the promotion in June, outpointing Jeremy Hamilton before submitting Lumumba Sayers just one month later at Strikeforce “Fedor vs. Henderson.” Most recently, Brunson earned a Nov. 18 unanimous nod over veteran Nate James at Strikeforce Challengers 20.

One of the sport’s most decorated jiu-jitsu practitioners, Souza captured the Strikeforce middleweight strap in August 2010, outpointing Tim Kennedy to win the vacant title. The Brazilian defended his belt successfully 13 months ago against Robbie Lawler, submitting “Ruthless” with a rear-naked choke in the third round. “Jacare” was last seen competing in September, when he lost the title to American Kickboxing Academy standout Luke Rockhold in a five-round unanimous decision.