Strikeforce Grand Prix Prelims to Air on HDNet

Strikeforce today announced that the promotion has once again partnered with cable network HDNet to broadcast live preliminary bouts and weigh-ins for the upcoming semifinals and finals of the ongoing heavyweight grand prix.

HDNet's “Inside MMA” will air live from the weigh-ins for both events and will provide exclusive pre-fight coverage prior to both fight cards. Scheduled for Sept. 10 at U.S. Bank Arena in Cincinnati, the grand prix semifinals will feature the tournament's final four participants, as Sergei Kharitonov locks horns with Josh Barnett, while Antonio Silva takes on Daniel Cormier.

Also, middleweight champion Ronaldo Souza will put his title on the line against challenger Luke Rockhold. Neither a date nor a location has been set for the tournament finals.

“As we continue to showcase some of the sport’s up-and-coming talent on our prelims, we’re excited to be able to air them live on HDNet,” Strikeforce CEO Scott Coker said in the official release. “We’re excited to give Strikeforce fans even more access to great fights.”

Airing just prior to the evening's main draw on Showtime, the HDNet broadcast will feature two light heavyweight confrontations, as American Kickboxing Academy representative Mike Kyle locks up with Brazilian prospect Marcos Rogerio de Lima, while former Strikeforce champion Rafael Cavalcante meets Olympic wrestling silver medalist Yoel Romero Palacio.

Additionally, former welterweight title contender Evangelista Santos will face Canadian prospect Jordan Mein, and Amanda Nunes will square off with Alexis Davis in a women's bantamweight showdown.