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By: Jamie Penick, MMATorch Editor-in-Chief
A lightweight bout between Josh Thomson and Maximo Blanco is heading to an as-of-yet unannounced Strikeforce event this September, according to a report from MMAWeekly.com.
The September 10 event will mark Thomson's return to Strikeforce for the first time since last October, where he took a decision victory over Gesias "JZ" Cavalcante. He took a fight in Japan on New Year's Eve, however, losing a decision to Tatsuya Kawajiri at the Dynamite!! 2010 event, snapping a two fight winning streak.
Venezuelan pro Blanco has spent his entire career fighting in Japan, and has won six straight fights over the last couple of years. He recently left World Victory Road's Sengoku promotion, and signed a contract with Strikeforce in the last month. Of his eight career victories, Blanco has finished seven by knockout or TKO.
This fight was actually one Blanco expressed interest in last month when asked which fights in the U.S. he'd like to take, and now it's one he's getting. No other bouts have been rumored for the September 10 event as of yet, and no venue has been determined.
Penick's Analysis: This is a good debut fight for Blanco. Thomson's a tough opponent, and a higher level guy than those Blanco was facing in Sengoku. He's a good addition to the Strikeforce lightweight roster, which has definitely been lacking, and if he can make an impression in this fight he could be a fun guy to watch come up the ranks. For Thomson, this fight allows him a chance to get back on track after the loss to Kawajiri, and if he can pick it up in impressive fashion he'll put himself back into the mix in the top end of Strikeforce's lightweight division. It's a good matchup, and should be a good fight for Showtime in September.
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Jamie Penick, editor-in-chief
(mmatorcheditor@gmail.com)
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