Strikeforce Challenger Series: 'Prangley vs. Amoussou' coming together for Feb. 26

Strikeforce will put its partnership with M-1 Global to more good use next month when highly touted M-1 prospect Karl "Psycho" Amoussou (11-2-1) headlines the promotion's "Challenger Series" opposite well rounded veteran Trevor Prangley (22-5) at the San Jose Civic Auditorium in San Jose, Calif., on Friday, Feb. 26.

The main card will air live on Showtime, beginning at 11 p.m. ET.

Prangley is a winner of five straight, including a unanimous decision win over the company's former top contender, Anthony Ruiz, which took place on Strikeforce's second show at the Playboy Mansion back in September 2008.

The South African also holds notable career wins over Chael Sonnen, Travis Lutter and Andrei Semenov (twice).

"Psycho" is a Frenchman who has shown the ability to finish his opponents quickly with eight career wins inside the first round. He seems to be well rounded with a solid ground and pound attack, as well as boasts a crafty submission game to boot.

He's managed to put together a pretty nice record of (6-2) under the M-1 banner. Prangley is a step up in competition for him, but this should be a very competitive fight.

In the co main event of the night, Japanese import Takayo Hashi (12-1) and undefeated Canadian brawler Sarah Kaufman (10-0) will collide in a 135-pound women's title fight.

Hashi is the more methodical, grind-it-out type fighter who will try to catch her opponents in submissions. Meanwhile, Kaufman is more of a head hunter -- she hits hard and specializes in one thing ... knocking chicks out. She's always a treat to watch.

This should be a nice contrast of styles.

Here's what the lineup for the Showtime televised portion of the event is looking like so far:

185 lbs.: Trevor Prangley (22-5) vs. Karl "Psycho" Amoussou (11-2-1)
135 lbs.: Sarah Kaufman (10-0) vs. Takayo Hashi (12-1)
185 lbs.: Paul Bradley (12-1) vs. Luke Rockhold (6-1)
170 lbs.: Tarec Saffiedine (7-2) vs. James Terry (7-1)
185 lbs.: Raul Castillo (6-0) vs. Yancy Madeiros (4-0)

 

Remember that MMAmania.com will provide live blow-by-blow coverage of the main card action on fight night, as well as any other news and notes leading up to the event.

Stay tuned.