Joey Villasenor vs. Evangelista “Cyborg” Santos
Since the demise of the fallen PrideFC, Joey Villasenor found homage in EliteXC where he fought for the promotions first ever middeleweight title, but took a loss to the hand of former PrideFC standout Murilo “Ninja” Rua. Villasenor is one of the fighters that was brought over to Strikeforce after EliteXC went under. Villasenor has been on a three fight win streak, since defeating Phil Baroni via TKO at EliteXC: Primetime.
Making his American and Strikeforce debut. Veteran Chute Boxe fighter Evangelista Santos and former PrideFC and Cage Rage fighter comes into this fight off a loss due to injury suffered. Santos promises a return and dominant run in the Strikeforce promotion. Know for his fast and aggressive styles this fight has all the making for a stand up war.
Nick Thompson vs. Tim Kennedy
Former Bodog Welterweight Champion Nick Thompson is making his debut on June 19th, coming on on a two fight win streak. Thompson holds a professional mixed martial arts record of 38-10. Thompson faced Jake Shields for the EliteXC welterweight and lost via Submission.
Kennedy holds an overall record of 9-2. Having last competed in 2007, in the Independent Fight league: World Grand Prix Finals where he was defeated by Elias Rivera by KO. Making his return to the octagon after two years on June 19th, time will tell if ring rust will be a factor.
Conor Heun vs. Jorge Gurgel
Conor Heun makes his lightweight return on June 19th, he was last seen in competition at the EliteXC: Heat event where he defeated, James Edson Berto by TKO. This former EliteXC fighter hold an 8-2 record with the majority of his bouts won by submission.
Jorge Gurgel is a former UFC lightweight and Ultimate Fighter Two contestant. The Brazilian jiu-jitsu artist was lat seen at UFC 91: Couture vs. Lesnar where he lost to a unanimous decision to Aaron Riley. Gurgel was released from the Ultimate Fighting Championships after losing his last two fights.
Sarah Kaufman vs. Shayna Baszler
The only female fight on the card features the unbeaten Sarah Kaufman taking on Shayna Baszler.
Kaufman holds a perfect 9-0 record where 8 of her wins have been by TKO. The Canadian fighter last fought at Strikeforce: SHO MMA where she defeated Misha Tate by unanimous decision, her only victory not by submission.
On a four fight win streak until she collided with fellow female fighter Christine “Cyborg” Santos Shayna Baszler is known as a submission artist with all of her eight fights being won by submission.
In a fight that puts a striker against a submission artist, it will be interesting to see who falls into to whose game first.
Cory Devela vs. Luke Rockhold
Stepping back into the octagon off a knock out loss to Terry Martin at the Strikeforce: Playboy Mansion II event, Cory Devela was on a seven streak. Devela is looking for a win to redeem himself in the middleweight division.
Luke Rockhold has not been on the octagon beyond the first round. With 5 wins all by submission under his belt and 1 loss by TKO. Rockhold looks to continue his trend of first round victories. Strikeforce: Diaz vs. Shamrock was the last bout Rockhold had where he defeated Buck Meredith.
