All five fights on Strikeforce's February 12 World Grand Prix kickoff event main card will feature heavyweights.In addition to the already announced tournament bouts pitting Fedor Emelianenko vs. Antonio Silva and Andrei Arlovski vs. Sergei Kharitonov, Strikeforce has added a trio of matches, the promotion announced in a press release.
The most intriguing of the set features unbeaten Shane Del Rosario (10-0) facing Lavar Johnson (15-3).
Strikeforce CEO Scott Coker has previously mentioned that the winner of the Del Rosario-Johnson fight would be the first alternate called into action in the Heavyweight Grand Prix if a participating fighter is forced out for by injury or illness.
Del Rosario hasn't fought since last July, when he stopped Lolohea Mahe with strikes in the first round of their Challengers Series main event. He's finished all 10 of his fights, going past the first round just once.
Johnson fought in October, knocking out Virgil Swicker in the first round. Johnson has finished each of his last seven opponents by KO or TKO, with only one of those fights going past the first round.
The other fights will see Ray Sefo taking on Valentijn Overeem and Chad Griggs facing Strikeforce newcomer Gian Villante.
The event will take place at the Izod Center in East Rutherford, New Jersey, and air on Showtime.
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