Strikeforce has signed international lightweight star Gesias “JZ” Cavalcante (14-3-1) to a four-fight deal.
FightHype was the first to report the news, and Heavy has since confirmed the news with a source close to the promotion. Cavalcante could make his Strikeforce debut on the unannounced Aug. 21 card in Houston, Texas.
Cavalcante was once considered one of the top lightweight fighters in the world, but injuries have derailed a promising career. He last fought in May 2009, losing a unanimous decision to Tatsuya Kawajiri at DREAM 9. Cavalcante was scheduled to face Daisuke Nakamura in October, but was forced to withdraw from the bout due to a knee injury.
“Strikeforce: Houston” could host the opening rounds of a tournament to crown a new middleweight champion. That’s contingent on the decision made by current champion Jake Shields, who is expected to sign with the UFC shortly. Dallas native Muhammed “King Mo” Lawal is expected to headline the event with a light heavyweight title defense.