Undefeated Strikeforce heavyweight Daniel Cormier (6-0) will step back into the cage in early January to face Devin Cole (18-8-1) in the headliner for an as yet-to-be-announced Strikeforce Challengers event.
FiveOuncesOfPain.com was the first to report the matchup on Saturday, noting that the event will take place on January 7th according to a source close to the fight.
Cormier has fought five times this past year and no opponent has yet to make it out of the first round with him. In that time the heavyweight won the XMMA and the KOTC heavyweight titles. He’s won three bouts via T(KO) and three by submission, two of which were do to opponents tapping while being pummeled. His last fight was on Nov. 5th in Australia where he defended his XMMA title by defeating Soa Palelei. Cormier’s last Strikeforce appearance was in August at the Strikeforce: Houston event where he submitted (punches) Jason Riley.
Cole has run a 6-1-1 record in his last eight, dropping his last bout in September to Aaron Rosa by unanimous decision at the Shark Fights 13 show. The fighter has fought for various promotions since he became a professional in 2003. He’s competed against such notable names such as Jeff Monson, Rafael Cavalcante, and Ben Rothwell.
Cole represents a very experienced opponent for Cormier and should prove a good test of his skills. A win would certainly vault him off the Challengers series and into the main Showtime events, offering a new heavyweight into the confused Strikeforce division.