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It's not the fight fans have been clamoring for, but female Brazilian slugger Cristiane "Cyborg" Santos (6-1) will return to action on April 11.
Strikeforce today announced that Santos will meet Hitomi Akano (14-5) in a 145-pound bout in each fighter's debut for the organization.
"Strikeforce: Shamrock vs. Diaz" takes place at the HP Pavilion in San Jose, Calif., and the main card airs live on Showtime.
The Chute Boxe-trained Santos made her U.S. debut in 2008 for EliteXC. The aggressive fighter garnered much attention in her wins over Yoko Takahashi and Shayna Baszler, and many MMA observers immediately began to call for a Santos vs. Gina Carano bout.
Santos was one of more than 40 fighters that came to Strikeforce in the organization's recent acquisition of select ProElite assets.
"I know Hitomi Akano is the best Japanese female fighter today, but I am prepared for any situation and will always be looking for the knockout," Santos stated in the official announcement.
Akano debuted professionally in 2004 and counts 11 submission wins in her 14 career victories. Currently riding a three-fight win streak, the "Girlfight Monster" has yet to be stopped. All five of her career losses have come by decision.
The Japanese import has fought for Smackgirl, Fatal Femmes Fighting, Mix Fighting Championship and BodogFIGHT, among other organizations.
"I am really looking forward to this fight because, compared to mine, Cyborg has got almost a completely opposite style," Akano stated. "She is a striker, and I am a grappler."
With the addition to the card, "Strikeforce: Shamrock vs. Diaz" now includes:
Nick Diaz vs. Frank Shamrock
Champ Josh Thomson vs. Gilbert Melendez (for Strikeforce lightweight title)
Joe Riggs vs. Jake Shields
Benji Radach vs. Scott Smith
Cristiane "Cyborg" Santos vs. Hitomi Akano
Strikeforce today announced that Santos will meet Hitomi Akano (14-5) in a 145-pound bout in each fighter's debut for the organization.
"Strikeforce: Shamrock vs. Diaz" takes place at the HP Pavilion in San Jose, Calif., and the main card airs live on Showtime.
The Chute Boxe-trained Santos made her U.S. debut in 2008 for EliteXC. The aggressive fighter garnered much attention in her wins over Yoko Takahashi and Shayna Baszler, and many MMA observers immediately began to call for a Santos vs. Gina Carano bout.
Santos was one of more than 40 fighters that came to Strikeforce in the organization's recent acquisition of select ProElite assets.
"I know Hitomi Akano is the best Japanese female fighter today, but I am prepared for any situation and will always be looking for the knockout," Santos stated in the official announcement.
Akano debuted professionally in 2004 and counts 11 submission wins in her 14 career victories. Currently riding a three-fight win streak, the "Girlfight Monster" has yet to be stopped. All five of her career losses have come by decision.
The Japanese import has fought for Smackgirl, Fatal Femmes Fighting, Mix Fighting Championship and BodogFIGHT, among other organizations.
"I am really looking forward to this fight because, compared to mine, Cyborg has got almost a completely opposite style," Akano stated. "She is a striker, and I am a grappler."
With the addition to the card, "Strikeforce: Shamrock vs. Diaz" now includes:
Nick Diaz vs. Frank Shamrock
Champ Josh Thomson vs. Gilbert Melendez (for Strikeforce lightweight title)
Joe Riggs vs. Jake Shields
Benji Radach vs. Scott Smith
Cristiane "Cyborg" Santos vs. Hitomi Akano
