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[frogman]

Incoming!! Two of the sport’s most devastating knockout artists are preparing to go to war in Miami.

FiveOuncesofPain.com has recently been able to comfirm through sources close to the situation that a middleweight slugfest between Melvin Manhoef and Robbie Lawler is currently on the table, and is expected to take place on the “Strikeforce: Miami” card set for January 30 from Miami, Florida.

While nothing has been signed as of this writing, FiveOuncesofPain.com was able to confirm that the bout has been offered, and is expected to be signed by at least one of the fighters shortly.

Former ICON Sport and EliteXC middleweight champion, Robbie Lawler, will making his first return to action since a disappointing first round submission defeat at the hands of current Strikeforce 185 pound title holder, Jake Shields in June 6, 2009. Prior to the loss at the hands of Shileds, Lawler had gone undefeated in his previous six bouts with big wins over the likes of Joey Villasenor, Frank Trigg, Murilo “Ninja” Rua and Scott Smith along the way.

Manhoef is fresh off of what could be considered the biggest win of his career, as the 5′8″ beast from Holland most recently flattened the highly regarded Kazuo Misaki during the year end “Dynamite!! 2009″ card. “No Mercy” has put together 23 wins by knockout out of his 24 victories, making him one of the most feared strikers in the sport.

Lawler was previously expected to take part in the “Strikeforce: Evolution” card that took place on December 19, but an opponent was not able to be secured in time for the event.

(UPDATE: FiveOuncesofPain.com has been able to further confirm through additional sources close to the proposed match-up that the bout is expected to take place at “Srrikeforce: Miami”. Both fighters are said to be currently awaiting bout agreements to ink, but both have agreed to the match-up.)

Exclusive: Melvin Manhoef vs. Robbie Lawler on tap for “Strikeforce: Miami” : Five Ounces of Pain

[Nasty]

That's going to be quite a card.

Zaromskis/Diaz for the WW title
Santos/Coenes for the women's title
Riggs/Hieron
Lawler/Manhoef
Noons/Evangelista

I could see all 5 of the main card fights ending via TKO.

Plus, Herschel Walker and Bobby Lashley are supposed to be on the card as well, although I'm not sure how that's going to work out. There's supposed to be a Challengers card the week before this show, so I wonder if the Noons/Evangelista or Hieron/Riggs or even Lashley and Walker's fights could be moved there? I haven't even heard any rumors regarding possible fights for that card yet.

[KevoOnTheRadio]

I can see them moving Riggs/Hieron to the Challenger program, and having Lashley/Walker fight eachother on the Miami card. They are both HWs. Or just add it as a 6th fight. Man, for my first live MMA event, I don't think I could have picked a better one! Melvin/Lawler has FOTY written all over it!

[MrCruise]

Originally Posted by Nasty

That's going to be quite a card.

Zaromskis/Diaz for the WW title
Santos/Coenes for the women's title
Riggs/Hieron
Lawler/Manhoef
Noons/Evangelista

I could see all 5 of the main card fights ending via TKO.

Plus, Herschel Walker and Bobby Lashley are supposed to be on the card as well, although I'm not sure how that's going to work out. There's supposed to be a Challengers card the week before this show, so I wonder if the Noons/Evangelista or Hieron/Riggs or even Lashley and Walker's fights could be moved there? I haven't even heard any rumors regarding possible fights for that card yet.

Definitely a good card but the Noons/Evangelista bout is now off due to an injury for Evangelista. Noons is on 'Standby' ion case something opens up or they can find someone for him.

Adding Lawler and Manhoef will make for another quality Strikeforfce show.

[willpunisher]

Originally Posted by KevoOnTheRadio

I can see them moving Riggs/Hieron to the Challenger program, and having Lashley/Walker fight eachother on the Miami card. They are both HWs. Or just add it as a 6th fight. Man, for my first live MMA event, I don't think I could have picked a better one! Melvin/Lawler has FOTY written all over it!

hell yes! did the tickets go on sale yet?

i disagree with the lashley vs walker though bro.. walker is like 60 and lashley is a young beast.

[JadedX]

Originally Posted by KevoOnTheRadio

I can see them moving Riggs/Hieron to the Challenger program, and having Lashley/Walker fight eachother on the Miami card. They are both HWs. Or just add it as a 6th fight. Man, for my first live MMA event, I don't think I could have picked a better one! Melvin/Lawler has FOTY written all over it!

Lucky. I've not been to a major MMA event since UFC 90, ugh. Anyway, have fun.

Strikeforce: Miami is really shaping up to be a terrific card. Definitely can't wait.

War Lawler.. hopefully, lol.

[Nasty]

The Noons/Evangelista cancellation probably is what brought about Lawler/Manhoef.

I think Lashley is fighting Shane Del Rosario too now that I think about it. I thought I heard that rumor a few weeks ago.

No clue on what they're doing w/ Walker. Honestly, he seems like someone they'd be better served holding onto for a CBS show. The publicity from it would be big (even though CBS wouldn't show a single commercial for it until 2 weeks before the show ). Fedor/Werdum, Mousasi/who cares, Shields/Henderson, Herschel Walker/Mike Whitehead is a good mix of quality fights and free publicity.

and before anyone bashes the idea of Strikeforce for putting a guy like Walker in a big event...Kimbo Slice and the rumored debut of James f'n Toney.

[jody]

I am jealous,Kevo.And I think walker,Slice,and Toney are too old,but I will watch and enjoy nevertheless.Not complaining about it,that's for sure.

[M1S3N3R]

Originally Posted by JadedX

Lucky. I've not been to a major MMA event since UFC 90, ugh. Anyway, have fun.

Strikeforce: Miami is really shaping up to be a terrific card. Definitely can't wait.

War Lawler.. hopefully, lol.

"hopefully" is right.... Melvin by nasty sick KO

[KevoOnTheRadio]

Originally Posted by jody

I am jealous,Kevo.And I think walker,Slice,and Toney are too old,but I will watch and enjoy nevertheless.Not complaining about it,that's for sure.

Haha don't worry dude, I'll be the drunk goofy lookin dude with the MMANEWS.COM sign