As a result of an injury suffered by Trevor Prangley earlier this week, former EliteXC Middleweight Champion “Ruthless” Robbie Lawler will no longer compete on this Saturday’s Strikeforce: “Evolution” card. A suitable replacement for Prangley could not be found in time, leaving the hard-hitting Lawler without an opponent.
Prangley was initially set to replace Lawler’s original opponent, UFC and IFL veteran Benji “Razor” Radach, but was forced to withdraw from the fight due to an injury suffered during training.
Lawler (16-5-0, 1 NC), who has lost just twice in his last 11 bouts, may compete on the January 30th Strikeforce: Miami card, but that has yet to be determined. A devastating knockout artist who has gone to a decision just two times in 22 fights, Lawler will look to rebound from a disappointing submission loss to current Strikeforce Middleweight Champion Jake Shields in June.
Strikeforce had attempted to set up a fight between Lawler and final ICON Sport Middleweight Champion Kala “Kolohe” Hose, but Hose is suffering from the flu and is unable to participate. Lawler and Hose were twice set to square off in ICON Sport last year, but both bouts were cancelled.
The remainder of Strikeforce: “Evolution” will move ahead as planned. Justin “The Silverback” Wilcox has stepped in for an injured Bryan Travers against Japanese submission specialist Daisuke Nakamura on the event’s undercard.