Strikeforce returns to San Jose on May 19 with Barnett vs. Cormier

Strikeforce will finally conclude their heavyweight grand prix on Saturday, May 19, when former UFC heavyweight champ Josh Barnett takes on two-time Olympic wrestler Daniel Cormier in the tournament finals LIVE on Showtime from the HP Pavilion in San Jose, Calif.

Also, Strikeforce lightweight champion Gilbert Melendez takes on longtime Bay Area rival Josh Thomson in a rubber match in the night’s co-main event. Thomson is one of only two people who holds a win over Melendez, and the bout will mark Melendez’s fourth title defense.

In addition, former Strikeforce light heavyweight champion Rafael “Feijao” Cavalcante takes on the heavy-handed Mike Kyle and Bobby Voelker faces Nah-Shon Burrell in a welterweight match-up.

Strikeforce CEO Scott Coker commented on Strikeforce returning to their city of origin:

“Strikeforce is coming back to where it all started – San Jose. The Bay Area has some of the best fight fans in the world and we can’t wait to get back with an event like this on May 19. With the Heavyweight Grand Prix final between Josh Barnett and Daniel Cormier, along with Gilbert Melendez’s lightweight title defense against longtime rival Josh Thomson, you don’t want to miss this card!”

The Strikeforce heavyweight tournament final will air live on Showtime at 10 p.m. ET/PT (delayed on the West Coast), while preliminary fights will air on Showtime Extreme at 8 p.m. ET/PT (delayed on West Coast). Stay close to ProMMAnow.com (www.prommanow.com) as additional fights scheduled for the event are expected to be released shortly.