Contrasting strikers
Cung Le and
Scott Smith will face off in a middleweight contest at
Strikeforce “Evolution” on Dec. 19 at the HP Pavilion in San Jose, Calif., Sherdog.com has confirmed through numerous sources.
Strikeforce is expected to announce the bout during the live telecast of Strikeforce “Fedor vs. Rogers” on CBS Saturday. The bout will be one of five fights broadcast on Dec. 19 on Showtime.
Le relinquished his Strikeforce middleweight title this fall to pursue film opportunities and starred in this September’s “
Pandorum” opposite Dennis Quaid and Ben Foster.
Le defeated
Frank Shamrock in March 2008 to take the middleweight championship. Shamrock broke his arm in the bout and could not continue after the third round.
A decorated San Shou veteran who entered MMA on the advice of his trainer Javier Mendez in 2005, the 35-year-old Le built a strong following in San Jose with his unorthodox kick-heavy standup style.
Smith, 30, a veteran of the UFC, EliteXC and WEC, has delivered numerous highlight-reel moments in the cage. Known for his come-forward style, “Hands of Steel” clocked in two knockout victories against
Terry Martin and
Benji Radach before he was submitted by a persistent
Nick Diaz in the third round at Strikeforce “Lawler vs. Shields” last June in St. Louis.
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