Manhoef-Kennedy Greenlit for March 5 Strikeforce
Mike Whitman Feb 10, 2011
Melvin Manhoef (above) will battle Tim Kennedy in Columbus,
Ohio, on March 5. | Dave Mandel/Sherdog.com
As expected, a middleweight tilt between Dutch striker Melvin Manhoef and former title contender Tim Kennedy will go down on March 5 at Strikeforce “Feijao vs. Henderson.”
Strikeforce announced the bout via press release on Thursday. Manhoef steps in for an injured Luke Rockhold, who damaged his leg in training for the fight last week.
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A decorated member of the United States Army, Kennedy was originally expected square off in a rubber match with Jason Miller on March 5. That fight was not to be, however, and Kennedy was then paired with American Kickboxing Academy prospect Luke Rockhold. After Rockhold suffered extensive bruising to his leg and foot, Kennedy was presented with Manhoef as a late replacement. Kennedy was last seen dropping a unanimous decision to Ronaldo Souza at Strikeforce “Houston” in a bout for the vacant middleweight title. Prior to his loss to Souza, Kennedy had won four straight contests.
A K-1 kickboxer with aggression to burn, Manhoef has knocked out 23 of his 24 career victims. The hard-punching Dutch-Surinamese middleweight is a veteran of both Cage Rage and Dream. Manhoef has lost four of his last six fights, however, including his only appearance in the Strikeforce cage. After battering the lead leg of Robbie Lawler for half a round, it appeared that Manhoef was on his way to an easy victory at Strikeforce “Miami.” In a shocking turn of events, Lawler turned the tables with one overhand right, knocking Manhoef out cold and snatching an improbable victory.
“I come to fight and give my very best,’’ said Manhoef in the press release. “I am very, very hungry. I need to win this fight. I am looking forward to fighting Tim Kennedy.’’
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