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By: Jamie Penick, MMATorch Editor-in-Chief
The UFC isn't the only promotion using the 195 lb. catchweight, as Strikeforce will feature a bout at that weight on June 16 in Los Angeles when Robbie Lawler meets Renato "Babalu" Sobral.
Sobral is replacing Lawler's originally planned opponent, Jason "Mayhem" Miller, according to a report from Sherdog.com.
Strikeforce is expecting Miller to be suspended by the Tennessee Athletic Commission due to his involvement in the post fight melee that took place at Strikeforce: Nashville earlier this month, and as such Miller was removed from consideration for the card.
Miller isn’t fighting because we believe, in speaking with the Tennessee Athletic Commission, that he will put under some type of suspension,” said Strikeforce CEO Scott Coker. “After reviewing the tape (of the April 17 incident), we felt that Miller shouldn’t headline our next event. We will honor the Tennessee commission’s decision when it’s announced."
Lawler is fighting for the first time since a victory over Melvin Manhoef at Strikeforce: Miami in January. He had rebounded from a loss to Jake Shields in 2009.
Sobral has not fought since a loss to Gegard Mousasi last August. The former UFC fighter was supposed to take part in the DREAM Light Heavyweight Grand Prix, but that tournament has been canceled.
Penick's Analysis: Well this is certainly an interesting development. If Coker is expecting a suspension for Miller than they're better be one coming to the other people involved in that incident as well, and Coker better be taking the same line of them not headlining their next time out. Miller was wrong for being in the cage but it's not all on his head.
As for this fight itself, it's a very intriguing fight between two guys that were both a big part of the UFC just a few years ago. With Sobral coming off the vicious KO at the hands of Mousasi, it will be very interesting to see if Lawler can land the knockout shot himself in this one. It's definitely a highly intriguing catch weight fight.
RELATED STORY: STRIKEFORCE NEWS: Bobby Lashley, Robbie Lawler and K.J. Noons all official for Strikeforce: Los Angeles on June 16: [CLICK TO READ FULL ARTICLE]
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Jamie Penick, editor-in-chief
(mmatorcheditor@gmail.com)
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