Two-time K-1 HERO’s Tournament Champion Gesias “JZ” Cavalcante has signed with Strikeforce and may debut for the promotion as early as August. FightHype.com was first to report on the Brazilian’s signing, while the targeted August debut was reported by MMAjunkie.com today.
Cavalcante will look to get back on the winning track in Strikeforce, as injuries have plagued his career since the HERO’s Tournament Final in September of 2007. He has dropped back-to-back fights to current DREAM champ Shinya Aoki and top title challenger Tatsuya Kawajiri.
Three women’s bouts were featured at today’s shootboxing event in Tokyo, Japan, and all three went the distance. 2009 Girls S-Cup Champion RENA picked up another impressive victory as she dispatched of ☆MIKA☆ via dominant three-round Unanimous Decision.
Legends MMA 125-Pound Champion “Slick” Sally Krumdiack gained a measure of revenge last night as she handed the previously unbeaten Hiroko Kitamura of Japan her first career defeat. She stopped Kitamura with a barrage of elbows that prompted a corner stoppage in the first round.
The world’s top-ranked heavyweight is reportedly considering a run for the senate in his native Russia. Fedor Emelianenko, widely regarded as one of the best mixed martial artists in the sport’s history, may run for the United Russia party. Middle Easy was first to break the story.
A trio of women’s bouts will be featured at this Sunday’s shootboxing event at Korakuen Hall in Tokyo, Japan. Among those participating on the card will be 2009 Girls S-Cup Champion RENA, as the 18-year-old sensation takes on ☆MIKA☆ in her first fight back after an April hand injury.
The month of May featured the crowning of a new UFC Light Heavyweight Champion in Mauricio “Shogun” Rua, who once again takes over the top spot in the 205-pound rankings. Strikeforce Heavyweight Champion Alistair “Demolition Man” Overeem enters the heavyweight ranks after his crushing defeat of Brett “The Grim” Rogers.
After younger sister Stephanie competes one week earlier, Strikeforce veteran Zoila “The Warrior Princess” Frausto may also make her Bellator debut later this month. Frausto is tentatively set to face British star Rosi Sexton in a planned 120-pound bout at Bellator 23 on June 24th.
According to a report from earlier today, women’s MMA veteran Lisa Ward will no longer face Tammie Schneider at Bellator 22 on June 17th. Instead, the submission ace will battle Stephanie “Macaquinha” Frausto, the younger sister of Strikeforce veteran Zoila Frausto.