Diaz-‘Cyborg’ Title Bout Headlines Jan. 29 Strikeforce

The promotion made the bout official early Wednesday morning, along with three other previously reported contests. As expected, Ronaldo “Jacare” Souza will defend his middleweight championship against Robbie Lawler in the evening’s co-main event. The Showtime-televised card will also feature a heavyweight attraction as 1982 Heisman Trophy winner Herschel Walker will battle Scott Carson. Rounding out the card will be a 205-pound tilt between grappling superstar Roger Gracie and UFC veteran Trevor Prangley.

Diaz is fresh off a dominating October victory over nemesis K.J. Noons. The Brazilian jiu-jitsu black belt peppered Noons with straight punches throughout the fight, using his range to break the smaller fighter’s jaw and earn a clear-cut unanimous decision. The Cesar Gracie product has been on a roll since losing to Noons in 2007, winning eight straight fights. Diaz holds notable victories over Scott Smith, Hayato Sakurai and Dream welterweight champ Marius Zaromskis in that span.

Santos made his debut at 170 pounds in June, knocking out Zaromskis midway through the first round at Strikeforce “Los Angeles.” However, Santos has not fought since. Prior to the Zaromskis victory, the Chute Boxe product had fought primarily at middleweight throughout his career. He is 1-1 in Strikeforce competition, his other promotional appearance being a split decision loss to Joey Villasenor in the main event of “Challengers 2” last year.