It appears that the next set of quarterfinal bouts for the Strikeforce Heavyweight World Grand Prix tournament have been put on hold for right now. At last report matches between tournament fighters Alistair Overeem vs. Fabricio Werdum and Josh Barnett vs. Brett Rogers were to have taken place at an upcoming April 9th event outside of the States, possibly in Japan.
Now Sherdog.com is reporting that Strikeforce has put the tournament heavyweights on hold as the promotion has decided to host the April 9th event in California, where tourny participant Barnett is still undergoing legal proceedings to have his license reinstated.
The website noted a couple of different matchups that could possibly be booked for the event.
A fight between Strikeforce lightweight champion Gilbert Melendez and Japanese slugger Tatsuya Kawajiri is expected to comprise one of the top two spots on the bill, while welterweight champion Nick Diaz is expected to fill the other slot against a yet-to-be-named opponent.
Possible opponents for Diaz include Paul Daley, who will earn a title shot if he defeats Yuya Shirai at a BAMMA 5 event this weekend, and Tyron Woodley. Woodley is fresh off a win over Tarec Saffiedine at a Strikeforce Challengers 13 event in January.
Photo via Esther Lin @ AllElbows.com