PRO MMA (promma.info) was notified Thursday Renato “Babalu” Sobral (32-7) will finally return to the STRIKEFORCE cage on June 6th in St. Louis, Missouri, to defend his light heavyweight title for the first time. His opponent will be fellow Brazilian, Rafael “Feijao” Cavalcante (7-1).

“Babalu” won the STRIKEFORCE Light Heavyweight Title in November 2008 after landing an elbow strike that opened a deep cut around the eye of Bobby Southworth in the first round. Southworth finished the round but was not allowed to continue by the ringside physician.

“Babalu” is one of the very few fighters in UFC history released from the company due to a victory!  He actually defeated David Heath at UFC 74 with an anaconada choke but held the choke even after Heath tapped, causing him to go unconscious.

After the fight, “Babalu” said Heath had made some derogatory remarks to him and it was meant to teach Heath respect. Five days later “Babalu” was released from his contract with the UFC.

“Babalu’s” most recent bout took place in January 2009 when he fought fellow UFC veteran Rameau Thierry Sokoudjou at AFFLICTION: DAY OF RECKONING. “Babalu” dominated the match and submitted the judo black belt and Team Quest standout midway through round two via Brabo Choke.

Rafael “Feijao” Cavalcante, coming into STRIKEFORCE from the ELITE XC acquired assets, is part of Team Nogueira and although well-versed in submissions has finished six of his seven victories by (T)KO and his last three wins have all come inside the first round.

The 28 year-old “Feijao’s” most recent victory was in July 2008, where he defeated Travis Galbraith by TKO from knee strikes at ELITE XC: UNFINISHED BUSINESS.

“Babalu” will definitely have the experience advantage over “Feijao” as the Team Nogueira fighter has only been fighting professionally since 2006. That is a long cry from “Babalu’s” early Vale Tudo days in Brazil, dating back on record to at least 1999.

However, with UFC Middleweight Champion Anderson Silva and the Nogueira brothers as teammates, “Feijao” will certainly be well equipped to give “Babalu” all the fight he can handle on June 6th.

Other fights on the St. Louis STRIKEFORCE card, so far, include Robbie Lawler vs. Jake Shields and Jorge Gurgel vs. TBA.

Doors at the Scottrade Center will open for Strikeforce: “Lawler vs. Shields” at 6:30 p.m. CT on Saturday, June 6. The first non-televised preliminary bout will begin at 7 p.m. The live SHOWTIME telecast begins at 10 pm ET/PT (tape delayed on the west coast).

By:  Jack Bratcher

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