There's a fantastic 170-pound match-up brewing between rough-and-tumble brawlers Joe Riggs (32-10) and Jay Hieron (18-4) currently being considered for the main card of the upcoming Strikeforce: "Miami" event slated for the BankAtlantic Center in Sunrise, Florida, on Jan. 30.
"Diesel" confirmed the promotion's plans earlier this week.
The former UFC welterweight has found success since leaving the Octagon, racking up a 4-1 record under the Strikeforce banner. Riggs also competed twice in December under smaller promotions, ending both in the first round and capping off the year with a 3-0 run.
Riggs was slated to challenge Nick Diaz for the newly-created Strikeforce welterweight title until an adverse reaction to medication foiled his August 15 date with destiny at "Carano vs. Cyborg."
Ironically his departure from that event paved the way for Hieron to step in and get his turn at 170-pound gold -- until Nick Diaz went up in smoke and failed to appear for his manadatory pre-fight drug test.
Hieron went on to stymie quick replacement and UFC washout Jesse Taylor at the San Jose event to capture the unanimous decision win. Unfortunately the bout was converted to a non-title affair following the change in opponents.
"The Thoroughbred" hasn't lost since June 2007 and is probably best known for his reign of terror in the now-defunct IFL and Affliction promotions. Perhaps a win this month (for either man) could set up a potential title fight against the winner of Nick Diaz vs. Marius Zaromskis.
The Jan. 30 event is set to air at 8 p.m. ET live on Showtime and will mark the promotion’s debut in the "Sunshine State" and will also feature the much-anticipated debut of former NFL great Herschel Walker. Current Strikeforce Women's Champion Cristian 'Cyborg' Santos will also be in action against Marloes Coenen.
For more on Strikeforce: "Miami" click here.


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