Mike Kyle vs. Gegard Mousasi possible for September Strikeforce event
A matchup pitting former Strikeforce light-heavyweight champ Gegard Mousasi (30-3-2 MMA, 2-1-1 SF) against Mike Kyle (18-8-1 MMA, 2-3-1 SF) could be headed to the promotion's fall lineup.
The pair were supposed to fight this past April at "Strikeforce: Diaz vs. Daley" before Kyle was forced to withdraw with a broken hand. In his place stepped Keith Jardine, who fought Mousasi to a draw.
The fight could take place at a yet-unnamed Strikeforce event slated for Sept. 10 that's expected to feature a middleweight title fight between current champ Ronaldo "Jacare" Souza and Luke Rockhold, though at this point, the date is not finalized.
Asked for comment today on the matchup's status, Mousasi representative Apy Echteld told MMAjunkie.com (www.mmajunkie.com) that while the fighter is attending a family wedding in August, he will be bringing a trainer during the trip and could be ready in September.
"It's up to Strikeforce," he said. "Give us a date – we'll be there."
Mousasi's next fight – his first since the disappointing draw – is already booked for "DREAM: Japan GP Final," which takes place July 16 at Ariake Coliseum in Tokyo. As the current light-heavyweight in the now-struggling Japanese promotion (and former middleweight champion), he defends his title against Hiroshi Izumi.
Kyle could not be reached for comment, though a source from his camp said the matchup is possible for the fall. The sometime heavyweight fighter hopes to rebound from a TKO loss to Antonio Silva this past December at "Strikeforce: Henderson vs. Babalu."
Source: Mike Kyle vs. Gegard Mousasi possible for September Strikeforce event