Strikeforce: World Heavyweight Grand Prix – Barnett vs. Kharitonov is an upcoming mixed martial arts event held by Strikeforce. The event is expected to take place on September 10, 2011 at U.S. Bank Arena in Cincinnati, Ohio. The event will air live on Showtime.
Official fight card
Main card (Showtime)
Heavyweight Grand Prix Semifinal bout: United States Josh Barnett vs. Russia Sergei Kharitonov
Heavyweight Grand Prix Semifinal bout: Brazil Antonio Silva vs. United States Daniel Cormier
Middleweight Championship bout: Brazil Ronaldo Souza (c) vs. United States Luke Rockhold
Light Heavyweight bout: United States Muhammed Lawal vs. Brazil Roger Gracie
Lightweight bout: United States Pat Healy vs. Venezuela Maximo Blanco
Preliminary card (HDNet)
Light Heavyweight bout: Brazil Rafael Cavalcante vs. Cuba Yoel Romero Palacio
Welterweight bout: Brazil Evangelista Santos vs. Canada Jordan Mein
Light Heavyweight bout: United States Mike Kyle vs. Brazil Marcos Rogerio de Lima
Women's Bantamweight bout: Canada Alexis Davis vs. Brazil Amanda Nunes
Middleweight bout: United States Dominique Steele vs. United States Chris Mierzwiak
Background
Rockhold and Souza were rumored to meet at Strikeforce: Fedor vs. Henderson, but the bout has been moved to this card.
The semifinal round of the Heavyweight Grand Prix is expected to take place on this card.
Alistair Overeem was expected to face Antonio Silva in the semifinals of the Strikeforce Heavyweight Grand Prix. However, on July 18th it was announced that Overeem refused to compete at this event; claiming that a toe injury would prevent him from being ready in time. Alistair Overeem was subsequently removed from the tournament and released by the company, he will be replaced by Daniel Cormier.
Gegard Mousasi was originally scheduled to face Mike Kyle. It was announced, however, on July 19, 2011 that Strikeforce newcomer Marcos Rogerio de Lima would be taking the bout.
Josh Thomson was scheduled to take on Maximo Blanco. However, on August 23, it was announced Thomson had to withdraw from the bout due to a foot injury.
On August 23, 2011, it was announced that the preliminary card for this show will air live on HDNet.
sept 7 - updated fightcard