K-1 wrecking machine and mixed martial arts (MMA) veteran, Melvin Manhoef (23-6-1), is once again set to put his all-around skills to the test when he debuts with the San Jose-based Strikeforce promotion in the coming weeks.
MMAmania.com confirmed the signing earlier today.
While a Dec. 19 bout against Robbie Lawler has been rumored for "Evolution," nothing is official at this time and a more likely time line for his debut would be early 2010.
Manhoef looked "Marvelous" in the opening round of his DREAM 10 fight against Paulo Filho back in July, putting the Brazilian grappling stud on queer street with his trademark blitzkrieg of punches; however, Manhoef ultimately fell short after the fight hit the mat.
He's going to need to keep his ground game sharp if he plans to make himself a stateside contender. There are a bevy of top middleweights under the Strikeforce banner with serviceable grappling skills that could negate the power punching of the hard-hitting Hollander.
Assuming he doesn't separate them from their consciousness first.
Prior to the Filho bout, Manhoef went toe-to-toe with "Super Samoan" Mark Hunt during the stacked New Year’s Eve Fields Dynamite!! card at the Saitama Super Arena in Saitama, Japan on Dec. 31, 2008. Despite being at a huge size advantage, as well as taking the fight on literally a few days notice, Manhoef needed just 18 seconds to dispatch of the granite-chinned heavyweight.
Strikeforce has continued to bolster its talent roster with quality signings and Manhoef is no exception. Aside from being the Cage Rage Light Heavyweight Champion, "No Mercy" has a 37-8 kickboxing record with 27 knockouts.
Expect fireworks in his upcoming debut.
Stay tuned to MMAmania.com for more on Manhoef's upcoming opponent.
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