KOTC Champ Green Signs with Strikeforce, Debuts Aug. 12

Sherdog.com confirmed the news with Green’s representation at Iridium Sports Agency after MMAJunkie.com initially reported the signing Thursday.

Sherdog.com independently confirmed Green’s Aug. 12 debut date through an additional source close to the signing. Green’s opponent for the event is currently unknown.

A winner in four of his last five outings, Green captured the KOTC lightweight strap in his most recent contest, earning a unanimous decision to lift the title from Dom O’Grady in April. The victory netted “King Green” his second KOTC title belt, as the Californian won the promotion’s 160-pound title in February 2010 by knocking out Rick Legere Jr.

Green would successfully defend his “junior welterweight” belt against Daron Cruickshank in August before dropping the title to Tim Means in October. Only 24 years old, the Martial Arts International representative owns 13 of his 15 career wins by either knockout or submission and has seen the judges’ scorecards only three times as a professional.

Headlined by a lightweight showdown between Jorge Gurgel and Joe Duarte, Strikeforce Challengers 18 will emanate from the Palms Casino Resort in Las Vegas. The event will also feature the Strikeforce debut of Olympic judoka Ronda Rousey, as the 2008 bronze medalist squares off with Sarah D’Alelio in a 145-pound women’s affair.