Banks Ruled Out of Lashley Fight

The search for Bobby Lashley’s first Strikeforce opponent begins again.

The Florida State Boxing Commission today denied heavyweight Yohan Banks (2-1) as an opponent for Lashley. An FSBC represenative told MMA Junkie that the decision was made after reviewing the fighters’ records and determining that Banks would not be a competitive opponent for Lashley.

Lashley, a former star for World Wrestling Entertainment, has earned four straight wins in his professional career. But the win total certainly doesn’t tell the whole story; aside from a lackluster performance against Jason Guida, Lashley has finished all of his opponents easily. His last fight was in June 2009, when he appeared on the ill-fated “Ultimate Chaos” card and destroyed the fading Japanese legend Bob Sapp.

Lashley is still expected to appear on the “Strikeforce: Miami” card. As Heavy.com exclusively reported earlier this week, Lashley’s second fight for Strikeforce will be on the CBS show in April.