Former EliteXC welterweight contender Nick Thompson signs with Strikeforce

MMAmania.com has been able to confirm that former EliteXC number one contender and the last man to hold the Bodog Fight welterweight championship Nick Thompson (38-10-1) has joined the roster of the San Jose-based mixed martial arts promotion 'Strikeforce' with a possible debut targeted for April 11.

"The Goat" is coming off back-to-back wins since being submitted early in the first round of his EliteXC title bout with Jake Shields last July. His most recent victory was a unanimous decision nod over talented British striker Paul "Semtex" Daley on last month's MFC 20: "Destined for Greatness" card.

Before the loss to Shields, Thompson was on a ridiculous run of success that saw him take 20 of 21 fights, including notable wins over Eddie Alvarez, Chris Wilson, Mark Weir, Josh Neer and others. The only loss during that streak was a first round submission (strikes) to Karo Parisyan at UFC 59: "Reality Check" -- one of only two career appearances in the Octagon.

This signing certainly bolsters the welterweight division significantly for Strikeforce - a promotion which has yet to crown a 170-pound champion.

However, the contract with Strikeforce won't be an exclusive one. Thompson is also employed by World Victory Road's "Sengoku." In fact, he plans on competing in the welterweight grand prix tournament for the Japanese promotion later this year.

It's going to be a busy year for the Goat.

Strikeforce paid $3 million for the rights to the complete EliteXC video library earlier this month, which includes a total of 20 live events put on by the company, as well as 42 of the 80 or so fighter contracts that were left over from the collapse of the company last October.

With a solid reputation, proven track record and smart management, expect them to be a major player in the MMA biz going forward.

The April 11 Strikeforce card will feature Nick Diaz and Frank Shamrock facing off in the evening’s main event at a catchweight of 179 pounds. Also scheduled to do battle is Scott Smith as he faces Benji Radach and Joe Riggs taking on former EliteXC Welterweight Champion Jake Shields.