The long-awaited Strikeforce 135-pound women’s tournament is currently targeted for Strikeforce Challengers 10 on August 13th in Phoenix, Arizona. Strikeforce CEO Scott Coker confirmed the date with MMARising.com today, as well as the names of four of the tournament participants.

The tournament format, still in development, hinges on approval from the Arizona State Boxing Commission. Strikeforce is seeking permission to hold all three rounds of the women’s tournament in one night. The format and the number of tournament participants are both subject to change.

Coker confirmed that Marloes “Rumina” Coenen (17-4-0), Carina “Beauty But The Beast” Damm (15-3-0), Hitomi “Girlfight Monster” Akano (15-7-0) and 2010 Upcoming Glory Tournament Champion Maiju Kujala (4-1-0) are all slated to compete in the tournament. MMARising.com first reported on all four women’s participation on June 22nd. Should the tournament retain an eight-woman format, Strikeforce contender Miesha “Takedown” Tate (9-2-0) is a probable addition to the field, along with recent Strikeforce signee and title challenger Jan “Cuddles” Finney (8-8-0).

Other possible tournament participants include Freestyle Cage Fighting Women’s Bantamweight Grand Prix Champion Shayna “The Queen of Spades” Baszler (12-6-0) and Kerry Vera (2-0-0), though Coker stated that neither fighter had been officially contacted to take part as of today. The promotion is awaiting approval from the Arizona commission before determining whether to hold the tournament in one night or across 2-3 events. Further details and confirmation on both the tournament formatting and remaining participants should be available by next weekend, according to Coker.

Strikeforce Challengers 10 is targeted for an as-yet undisclosed venue in Phoenix, Arizona on August 13th. The event will air live on Showtime and Super Channel and is also expected to feature a heavyweight bout involving rising prospect Daniel Cormier.

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