Ed Herman replaces Lorenz Larkin, fights ‘Jacare’ Souza at final Strikeforce show | MMA News

Strikeforce officials announced yesterday that current UFC middleweight Ed Herman (20-8 MMA, 7-5 UFC) will be heading to Strikeforce for the promotions final event to face former Strikeforce middleweight champion Ronaldo “Jacare” Souza (16-3 MMA, 6-1 SF) on the evening main-card.

Souza’s original opponent, Lorenz Larkin, was forced to withdraw from the bout after suffering a knee injury. Due to the short notice of Herman’s fight acceptance, the bout will be taking place at a 194-pound catchweight.

Herman most recently fought at UFC 150 in Denver where he suffered a decision loss to former Strikeforce middleweight champion Jake Shields. However, Shields failed his post-fight drug test causing the decision to be overturned to a no-contest. Prior to the Shields bout, Herman had put together three straight wins, including victories over Kyle Noke, Clifford Starks and Tim Credeur.

Herman now faces “Jacare”, who has won two-straight fights since losing his title to Luke Rockhold in September of 2011. Back in March, Souza submitted Bristol Marunde with an arm-traingle choke and then most recently he KO’d Derek Brunson in 41 seconds at the Strikeforce: Rousey vs. Kaufman event in August.

“Strikeforce: Champions” takes place January 12 at the Chesapeake Energy Arena in Oklahoma City. The main card airs on Showtime following the prelims which are set to air on Showtime Extreme.

Herman will be the first and last fighter to cross-over from the UFC to fight in Strikeforce. What do you think of the match-up Penn nation?