Report: 'Cyborg' Santos vs Tarec Saffiedine targeted for July Strikeforce event

Chute Boxe in da howse!

Evangelista Santos is apparently set to make his return to the hexagon, once again at welterweight, against lukewarm prospect Tarec Saffiedine at an upcoming Strikeforce show, likely sometime in July.

This is the second time these two have been targeted to throw leather, as they were initially set to get busy back on March 5 before that date fell through. Now, according to Sherdog, they'll hook 'em up this summer.

Santos is fresh on the heels of one of the better performances of his up-and-down mixed martial arts career, going toe-to-toe with Welterweight Champion Nick Diaz (and holding his own) before succumbing to a second round armbar.

"Cyborg" was given a title shot in just his second career fight at 170-pounds and will return to the welterweight division in an attempt to snuff out a budding prospect.

Saffiedine was last in the cage in January, a losing effort in a battle of budding prospects against Tyron Woodley, his first defeat under the Strikeforce banner.

A well-rounded martial artist, schooled in the disciplines of Shihiashinkai Karate, Muay Thia and Brazilian jiu-jitsu, the "Sponge" had previously won his last three bouts against the likes of Nate Moore and UFC veteran Brock Larson.

The Belgian and the Brazilian will reportedly meet in July, which is the same month currently set to hold the rumored superfight pitting current Light Heavyweight Champion Dan Henderson against famed Russian heavyweight Fedor Emelianenko.

It's also a possibility that bout will end up headlining Strikeforce's first foray into pay-per-view. There is no word on whether or not Santos vs. Saffiedine would take place on that card or another event that has yet to be announced.

As always, stay tuned to MMAmania.com for future updates to this story.