Forget the tourney: Jacare vs. Kennedy for Strikeforce MW belt
Remember how Strikeforce wanted to stage an eight-man tournament to decide the middleweight belt that was vacated when Jake Shields moved on from the promotion? That tournament that seemed like a fantastic way to get a good look at Strikeforce's 185-lb. division?
That's not happening. Instead, Ronaldo "Jacare" Souza will fight Tim Kennedy for the Strikeforce middleweight belt at their event in Houston on Aug. 21.
That matchup will be an exciting one. Jacare is known for his jiu-jitsu, but showed improved striking in his win over Joey Villasenor. Kennedy has been impressive throughout his climb up through Strikeforce's middleweight division, most recently with a first-round rear naked choke of Trevor Prangley.
However, after being teased with the idea of a tournament, one match to decide a championship is a bit of a disappointment. Perhaps, Strikeforce should not have floated the idea before talking to their fighters. Cung Le said he wanted no part of it. Dan Henderson decided that he wants to stick to light heavyweight. After losing his catchweight bout to Renato "Babalu" Sobral, Robbie Lawler was a less attractive option.
