Jorge Gurgel and Billy Evangelista are expected to headline a Strikeforce Challenger Series event tentatively scheduled for Fresno’s Save Mart Center on Oct. 25. The only thing holding up the fight is an OK from Showtime brass, according to a source close to the promotion.

Gurgel (13-5) will look to make it two in a row under the Strikeforce banner after winning a barnburner over Conner Huen in June. The charismatic lightweight, known for his wide-open style, may put himself in line for a shot at the winner of the Josh Thomson-Gilbert Melendez bout for the 155-pound strap.

Evangelista is coming off the first loss of his career, a controversial disqualification to Mike Aina in May. The slugger from California’s Central Valley will be the hometown favorite against Gurgel and should prove a worthy foil in the standup department. Evangelista (9-1) is a highly regarded prospect who could also be under consideration for a title fight in the near future should he get past Gurgel.