Woodley, Vera on Deck for May 21 Strikeforce Challengers

Tyron Woodley and Kerry Vera have both been tapped to fight at Strikeforce Challengers 8 at the Rose Garden in Portland, Ore., Sherdog.com has learned from multiple sources. The event series, which spotlights the promotion’s up-and-coming talent, will air live on Showtime.

Woodley, a two-time collegiate All-American wrestler at the University of Missouri, is expected to headline the event against an opponent to be named. Vera’s opponent is also being finalized, said the sources.

Both fighters scored impressive wins at Challengers 5 last November in Kansas City, Kan. The 27-year-old Woodley delivered his sixth career victory with a first-round arm-triangle choke against local standout Rudy Bears. Vera, a decorated muay Thai fighter who trains with her husband Brandon at their Alliance gym in Chula Vista, Calif., earned a one-sided first-round technical knockout over Kim Couture. The 27-year-old Vera is 2-0 in MMA.