With news of the latest event in the Challengers series, Strikeforce has its headliner for Augusts Strikeforce Challengers 18 event. Meeting in a lightweight bout will be former UFC veteran Jorge ‘J.G.’ Gurgel (14-7) and Joe ‘Hybrid’ Duarte (9-2).
Gurgel announced on Wednesday via Twitter (@jorgegurgel) that he would be headlining the event. Strikeforce officials confirmed the matchup shortly afterwards.
Strikeforce Challengers 18: Gurgel vs. Duarte is expected to take place on Aug. 12 at The Pearl at the Palms Casino Resort in Las Vegas, Nevada. The main card will air on Showtime.
Gurgel is 1-2 in his last three bouts, and is just 2-4 in his last six. ‘JG’ was last in the cage this past March where he earned a first round guillotine choke submission over Billy Vaughan at the Strikeforce: Feijao vs. Henderson event. His previous two losses were to KJ Noons, a KO loss at Strikeforce: Houston, and a unanimous decision defeat to Billy Evangelista at another Challengers event in November 2009.
Fans may remember Duarte from the opening episode from the 8th season of “The Ultimate Fighter” as he was eliminated by Phillipe Nover on the Spike TV show. Despite being eliminated from the show, ‘Hybrid’ has gone on to do well for himself earning four straight wins and is 5-1 in his last six matches. He debuted with Strikeforce last April, earning a second round submisison over Saad Awad at the Diaz vs. Daley show.