Strikeforce "Shamrock vs. Diaz" takes place at the HP Pavilion in San Jose, California and will air live on Showtime at 10 p.m. ET.
Both Santos and Carano are under contract with Strikeforce and Strikeforce CEO said last month that Carano has received an invitation to fight on April 11, but it appears the wait continues for their highly-anticipated encounter.
Akano (14-5) of Japan is a solid opponent for Santos (6-1), though. Akano, a proficient grappler with a background in Judo, has never been finished in her career.
"I know Hitomi Akano is the best Japanese female fighter today," Santos said. "But I am prepared for any situation and will always be looking for the knockout."
Santos is a purple belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, but her speciality remains her Muay Thai. Four of Santos' six wins have come via (T)KO.
"I am really looking forward to this fight, compared to mine, 'Cyborg' has got almost a completely opposite style," Akano said. "She is a striker and I am a grappler."
CURRENT CARD:
- Frank Shamrock (24-9-1) vs. Nick Diaz (18-7)
- Josh Thomson (16-2) vs. Gilbert Melendez (14-2)
- Scott Smith (16-5) vs. Benji Radach (19-4)
- Cristiane "Cyborg" Santos vs. Hitomi Akano (14-5)
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