Radach Out, Lawler Awaits New Opponent for Dec. 19 Strikeforce

Benji Radach will not face off against Robbie Lawler in a featured middleweight bout at Strikeforce “Evolution” on Dec. 19 at the HP Pavilion in San Jose, Calif.

Radach’s agent, Ken Pavia, said the fighter still hasn’t been medically cleared to begin training again following surgery on his right hand last April. Radach, 30, broke his hand in multiple places during his third-round loss to Scott Smith at Strikeforce “Shamrock vs. Diaz” on April 11. Pavia said Radach would be cleared “soon” to resume training, but didn’t give a specific timeline.

Lawler is still expected to compete on Dec. 19. Monte Cox, Lawler’s manager, said the promotion has not confirmed a new opponent for the heavy-handed fighter yet.

Strikeforce CEO Scott Coker told Sherdog.com Monday that Lawler’s adversary would be announced in the next couple of days.

Jake Shields submitted the 27-year-old Lawler in the first round of their headlining bout at Strikeforce “Lawler vs. Shields” on June 6 in St. Louis. Lawler, a UFC veteran and fan favorite, has won five of his last seven bouts (with one of those fights being ruled a no contest.)

The former EliteXC middleweight champion has three fights remaining on his contract with the promotion.