Nasal Surgery Forces Lashley Out of April 17 Strikeforce

Bobby Lashley’s exclusion from Strikeforce April 17 card in Nashville, Tenn., was due to nasal surgery he underwent in early March.

“I had sinus surgery recently and b/c of the surgery, my doc won't clear me to fight,” Lashley posted on his Facebook page on Monday. “I tried working every angle, however the final say is left in the hands of the doc.”

Sherdog.com verified the post as Lashley’s through the fighter’s American Top Team-affiliated gym in Aurora, Colo. Lashley underwent the surgery to alleviate longstanding issues with his breathing, said a team member.

The 33-year-old Lashley is expected to fight at Strikeforce “Heavy Artillery” on May 15 in St. Louis, Miss., said the teammate. An opponent hasn’t been named yet.

Lashley, a former WWE champion who now pro wrestles with TNA, made his MMA debut in December 2008 and earned a first-round technical knockout against Wes Sims at Strikeforce “Miami” on Jan. 30 in Miami, Fla. Lashley is 5-0 in MMA.

Lashley was a three-time NAIA National Champion at 177 pounds, a four-time All-American honors four times, a three-time National Amateur Wrestling Champion, a two-time Armed Forces Champion and a 2002 Silver Medalist at the Military World Championship, according to the NAIA Web site.