Mike Kyle

Strikeforce have added a new bout to their “Strikeforce: Champions” event as Mike Kyle (19-8-1) faces Gegard Mousasi (32-3-2) in a light heavyweight battle. The event is set to take place at the Chesapeake Energy Arena in Oklahoma City on Jan. 12.

The new match-up was announced by Mike Kyle via YouTube.

“Strikeforce: Champions” will feature a bout between current Strikeforce middleweight champion Luke Rockhold and challenger Lorenz Larkin, who square-off for the belt. The main card will air LIVE on Showtime with the prelims set to air on Showtime Extreme.

Mike Kyle last fought at “Strikeforce: Barnett vs. Cormier” in May, where he dropped a first round submission loss to Rafael Cavalcante. However, after the fight, Cavalcante tested positive for a banned substance and the CSAC declared the fight a “no contest”. Prior to that he scored a unanimous decision victory over Marcos Rogerio de Lima at “Strikeforce: Barnett vs. Kharitonov” in September 2011. Mike will no doubt look to put another notch in the win column with a big performance against Mousasi.

Gegard Mousasi has not competed in nearly a year due to an ACL injury. He was last in action at “Strikeforce: Melendez vs. Masvidal” in December 2011, where he scored a unanimous decision victory over Ovince St. Preux. Prior to that he defeated Hiroshi Izumi via first round TKO at the “Dream: Japan GP Final” in July 2011. Mousasi now has the chance to return with a big win over Kyle in January, which would take him a step higher on the light heavyweight ladder.

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