(“Most enjoyable thing I’d never do again? Definitely eating that live wolverine.”)
After years of bouncing from one regional event to another, Jeff Monson will finally return to the big leagues next month. ShoSports has confirmed that the former UFC heavyweight title contender will take on wrestling ace Daniel Cormier (7-0, five wins by first-round stoppage) at Strikeforce: Overeem vs. Werdum, June 18th in Dallas. Cormier was originally supposed to face undefeated rising star Shane Del Rosario at the event, but Del Rosario had to withdraw after being seriously injured in a car accident.
Monson is currently riding an eight-fight win streak (in seven different promotions), including W’s over Jason Guida, Travis Fulton, and former King of the Cage champ Tony Lopez. Oddly enough, this will be Monson’s fifth fight at heavyweight since he announced that he’d be dropping to light-heavyweight to be more competitive. He still hopes to make the drop this year.
At this point, the only non-heavyweight bout on the ‘Overeem vs. Werdum’ main card will be Gina Carano vs. Sarah D’Alelio. Check out the current lineup after the jump…
MAIN CARD
Alistair Overeem vs. Fabricio Werdum [heavyweight grand prix quarterfinal]
Josh Barnett vs. Brett Rogers [heavyweight grand prix quarterfinal]
Gina Carano vs. Sarah D’Alelio [145 lbs.]
Jeff Monson vs. Shane Del Roasrio [HW]
Valentijn Overeem vs. Chad Griggs [HW]
PRELIMINARY CARD
Gesias “JZ” Cavalcante vs. Justin Wilcox [LW, unconfirmed by Strikeforce]
KJ Noons vs. Jorge Masvidal [LW; first reported as a replacement for Cormier/Del Rosario, status unconfirmed]