Josh Barnett vs. Nandor Guelmino booked for “Strikeforce: Champions” event | MMA News

Former PRIDE and UFC heavyweight Josh Barnett (31-6 MMA, 2-1 SF) will make his last appearance under the Strikeforce banner when he takes on Austrian heavyweight fighter Nandor Guelmino (11-3 MMA) on January 12 in Oklahoma City.

The ex-UFC champ, Barnett, makes his return on the heels of a unanimous decision loss to Daniel Cormier in the finals of the Strikeforce heavyweight grand prix back in May. “The baby face assassin” broke his hand in the first round of that fight, causing him to be on the sidelines for the past few months. Prior to his bout with Cormier, Josh hadn’t lost a fight in over six years.

Guelmino will make his stateside debut after making a name for himself on the European circuit. In addition to winning seven straight fights, the Austrian fighter has also finished over half of his opponents by way of submission. He will, however, have a formidable task ahead of him in the form of Barnett.

The “Strikeforce: Champions” event is set to go down January 12, 2013 at the Chesapeake Energy Arena in Oklahoma City.

The “Strikeforce: Champions” card now includes the following bouts:

• Champ Nate Marquardt vs. Tarec Saffiedine (Welterweight title fight)
• Daniel Cormier vs. Dion Staring
• Gegard Mousasi vs. Mike Kyle
• Josh Barnett vs. Nandor Guelmino
• Ryan Couture vs. K.J. Noons
• Pat Healy vs. Jorge Masvidal