King Mo, Lindland & more make Strikeforce debut at Evolution event

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Several fighters will be making their much-anticipated debuts at Strikeforce: Evolution on December 19th. The California-based Strikeforce MMA promotion continues to add to their talent base and is now a legitimate competitor of the UFC. Fighters making their debut:

Antwain Britt

The Juggernaut will make his debut against undefeated Scott Lighty. Britt, 9-3, is an explosive athlete with tons of potential. He could be a menace in the 205lb division.

Mo Lawal

The charismatic King Mo makes his Strikeforce debut against veteran Mike Whitehead (24-6). I spoke with King Mo following his signing with Strikeforce. Mo spoke of his extensive wrestling background which includes time with Matt Lindland and Dan Henderson. When speaking of his wrestling experience Mo pointed out “People don’t realize the difference between college and wrestling against men. If you haven’t pursued anything past college you are not a world class wrestler. To me a guy who is world class is a guy who has competed internationally and has done well. In college you are wrestling against kids, internationally it’s against men and they don’t care what they do to you.” I asked Mo how he got started in MMA: “I got a call on a weeks’ notice to fight Travis Wiuff and I took it.” Mo won that match-up via TKO due to strikes in the 1st round. When asked where he is training Mo responded with “I’m a gym hopper man.” I asked Mo why he prefers that, “You get different experience and perspectives. If you are training with the same people it becomes counterproductive. You don’t get better.” Mo will be an interesting piece in the Strikeforce puzzle.

Matt Lindland

The former Olympian has fought the best of the best in several organizations. Lindland is coming off a devastating loss to Vitor Belfort and looks to get in the thick of the title hunt with a victory over Jacare. His experience combined with elite wrestling skills will be a difficult challenge for any of his opponents. Don't miss our interview with Matt Lindland just days before the Strikeforce Evolution event.

Jacare Souza

The Brazilian has been very successful overseas going 10-2 in his MMA career. Souza is very good on the ground and has solid stand up. He faces a tough veteran in Matt Lindland but with a victory may be in line for a shot at the Strikeforce Middleweight Title.

The Strikeforce event is headlined by the return of Cung Le but offers a good card from top to bottom. The co-main event is very good as Josh Thomson will face Gilbert Melendez in a rematch for the Strikeforce Lightweight Title.

Check it out on Showtime on December 19th or follow our live coverage on the Pro Fighting Fans MMA news blog.

By Scott Dryden
ProFighting-fans.com MMA Staff Writer & Editor in Chief