Galvao, Amoussou Bid for ‘TUF 13’ Slots

Instead, Galvao fell flat, losing to Woodley in a one-sided affair.

MMAjunkie.com on Thursday reported that Galvao, along with fellow Strikeforce talent Karl Amoussou, had been spotted at “The Ultimate Fighter” Season 13 tryout, confusing those who thought they were contractually obligated to Strikeforce. Strikeforce officials on Friday confirmed the release of both Galvao and Amoussou.

Galvao is black belt in Brazilian jiu-jitsu and has won the International Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Federation’s world championship seven times as he advanced in rank through his grappling career. The 28-year-old is also a veteran of the Abu Dhabi Combat Club Submission Wrestling World Championships competition, earning two bronze medals in 2007 and a silver in 2009. After two submission victories in his first two fights, Galvao entered Dream’s 2009 welterweight grand prix, debuting at Dream 8 with a first-round armbar submission over John Alessio. The Brazilian met his match in his next outing, however, as he lost a split decision to Jason High in the tournament’s semi-final at Dream 10. Galvao rebounded with two wins in 2010, starting his Strikeforce career with victories over Luke Stewart and Jorge Patino. His last outing was the aforementioned loss to Woodley.

Amoussou began his career impressively, winning five of his first six fights, with only a draw in his professional debut tarnishing his record. The Frenchman has fought the majority of his career for M-1 but recently faltered under the Strikeforce-Dream partnership, going 0-1-1 in two fights with the cooperating organizations. The middleweight drew with Trevor Prangley at Strikeforce Challengers 6 in February after an accidental eye poke caused a premature first-round halt to the contest. A little more than four months later, the judo black belt lost a unanimous decision to Pride Fighting Championships veteran Kazuhiro Nakamura. Amoussou’s release comes only halfway through his four-fight contract.

Zak Cummings, Vitor Vianna, Robert McDaniel, Levi Avera, Shamar Bailey, Muhsin Corbbrey, Tyler Stinson, James Krause, Louis Taylor and Bristol Marunde were among other notables who tried out for Season 13, according to various reports.

Season 13 will feature middleweights and welterweights vying for a shot at a UFC contract. The show debuted in 2005 and played a key role in the organization reaching casual fans. It has aired on Spike TV for all 12 of its seasons and has created stars for the promotion like Josh Koscheck, Rashad Evans and Forrest Griffin.