By FCF Staff
Strikeforce has announced that emerging MMA star Satoshi Ishii will not fight Scott Lighty this Friday in Stockton as scheduled. According to the promotion, due to the recent disasters in Ishii’s native Japan, the former Judo Olympic Gold Medalist was unable to acquire a visa to make the trip. Undefeated light-heavyweight Lorenz Larkin will be his replacement.
“Lorenz is a talented, undefeated fighter whose aggression and power make him a threat in the light heavyweight division,” Strikeforce CEO Scott Coker said. “He’s in for a tough test against Scott Lighty, who has trained with some of the sport’s best like Chuck Liddell. This is the biggest fight of his young career.”
Larkin (8-0) last competed in February, and stopped Mike Cook in the second round while fighting under the MEZ Sports banner.
“This is definitely a step up for me, but I’m excited and looking forward to the challenge,’’ the 25 year-oldLarkin said. “Lighty’s a good fighter with a lot of experience. But I’ve trained hard, I’m in good shape and I’m confident.’’
Lighty (6-1) is coming off a second round, knockout of Shawn Frye at a Fight Militia MMA event last August.
The April 1st Challengers event, which will be hosted by the Stockton Arena, will feature a lightweight bout between Justin Wilcox (10-3) and Rodrigo Damm (9-4) in the main event.
Other bouts that are scheduled for the card include lightweight David “Tarzan” Douglas (6-2) vs. Caros “The Future” Fodor (7-2), a 165lbs. catchweight bout between Josh Thorrnburg (6-2) and James Terry (9-2), and Damian Douglas (3-1) vs. welterweight Wayne Phillips (5-3).
The event will be broadcast on Showtime.
