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By: Jamie Penick, MMATorch Editor-in-Chief
Strikeforce is reportedly heading to Australia for the first time this summer, as Brazilian based website Tatame is reporting on a heavyweight clash coming to the card on July 17.
Per the report, Josh Barnett will make his debut in the organization against Geronimo "Mondragon" dos Santos on the card.
Dos Santos is a 17-8 heavyweight, and he is coming off a deflating loss in February that snapped an eight fight win streak. Barnett finally made his return to MMA earlier this year in DREAM against "Might Mo" Siliga, a fight he won in ugly fashion in a fight that had a number of delays due to illegal blows.
Of course, Barnett still has not fought in the U.S. since failing a steroid test for the third time. That failed test cost him a shot at Fedor Emelianenko on Affliction's third card.
Said "Mondragon" in the Tatame report, "I signed the contract today, I’m very thrilled with the news. He’s experienced, is very good on the ground, there’s no comparison, but I’ll try to keep it up. He’s not that good standing, so that’s where I have to work on. I’m going for the knockout, I’ll win this fight."
Penick's Analysis: Frankly I'm surprised Strikeforce is giving Barnett a shot here, although with it being in Australia and not the U.S. they feel more comfortable with it. If this is a legit date and event, I'm wondering if they'll make it live here in the U.S. that Friday night the 16th, or if they'll air the event during the day and have it live in Australia late that night. We'll have to wait to see what Strikeforce is planning, but this is an interesting development to say the least.
UPDATE: The initial Tatame report was incorrect as "Mondragon" mistakenly said the bout would be in Strikeforce. The fight will actually take place on an event for a debuting promotion called Impact MMA. "Mondragon" said with a win he'll move on to Strikeforce.
RELATED STORY: STRIKEFORCE NEWS: Fedor Emelianenko and M-1 Global waiting for Strikeforce to adhere to original agreement before returning: [CLICK TO READ FULL ARTICLE]
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Jamie Penick, editor-in-chief
(mmatorcheditor@gmail.com)
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