By FCF Staff
Strikeforce has announced that four time national judo champion and former Olympian Rhadi Ferguson, will fight undefeated light-heavyweight Ion Cherdivara, at the promotion’s upcoming January 7th, Challengers card in Nashville, Tennessee.
According to a news release sent out today, Ferguson has gone 2-0 since transitioning into MMA with stoppage wins. The 35 year-old fighter has competed in BJJ World Championships, the Abu Dhabi Submission Wrestling World Championships and the aforementioned Olympics.
"I don't think MMA is ever a natural transition," said Ferguson, who is a member and trainer with American Top Team. "I did Judo, I did BJJ, I'm a strength and conditioning coach and a judo coach for some top MMA fighters. After training these guys for a while the sport caught me a little bit. I'm 35, but I feel like I still have some stuff in the tank.”
"I'm satisfied with my athletic career but I wouldn't mind putting the Strikeforce Light Heavyweight title belt on my mantel."
Cherdivara formerly competed for the Moldovan national wrestling team and currently trains with Brazilian Top Team Canada.
"I'm only 1-0 because I've had a hard time finding fights in Montreal," said Cherdivara, who is 1-0 with a KO win to date in his MMA career. "No one wants to fight me. With Strikeforce, I'll finally be able to face some quality opponents who otherwise wouldn't dare fight me. I'm looking to face the best light heavyweights Strikeforce has to offer."
Some of the other bouts that are scheduled for the January 7th card include Daniel Cormier (6-0) vs. Devin Cole (18-8-1), Ovince Saint Preux (9-4) vs. "Abongo'' Humphrey (7-2) and Julia "The Jewel'' Budd (1-0) vs. Amanda "Lioness Of The Ring'' Nunes (5-1).
The event will be broadcast live on Showtime.
