Strikeforce on Friday announced plans for a Sept. 29 mixed martial arts event hosted by the famous Playboy Mansion in Beverly Hills, Calif.
Appearing on the 10-bout fight card, though in separate fights, will be lightweights
Gilbert Melendez (Pictures) (12-0-0) and
Josh Thomson (Pictures) (12-2-0, 1 NC).
Melendez, the Strikeforce 155-pound champion, last saw action on New Year's Eve in PRIDE where the 25-year-old Concord, Calif. native scored an impressive victory over former Shooto welterweight ace
Tatsuya Kawajiri (Pictures).
Thomson, 28, submitted
Nick Gonzalez (Pictures) in the first round on June 22's "Shamrock vs. Baroni" Showtime pay-per-view televised bill.
"This is another leap forward into mainstream America for Strikeforce and the sport of mixed martial arts," said Strikeforce CEO Scott Coker. "We feel honored that Mr. Hefner chose the Strikeforce brand to entertain an audience at his home and we're looking forward to putting on an incredible show."
Also announced to participate were Strikeforce light heavyweight champion
Bobby Southworth (Pictures) (7-4-0) and WWE
Tough Enough 2 reality show winner
Daniel Puder (Pictures) (5-0-0), each against yet-to-be-decided opponents.