DREAM lightweight champion Shinya Aoki will return to action in the U.S. when the Japanese star is expected to take on Lyle Beerbohm at “Strikeforce: Diaz vs. Daley” on April 9 in San Diego, according to MMA-Japan.
Aoki (26-5) dropped his U.S. and Strikeforce debut to champion Gilbert Melendez last April, but bounced back with three-straight wins before suffering a second-round KO in a mixed rules bout on New Year’s Eve.
Beerbohm (16-1) dropped a unanimous decision to Pat Healy in February for his first career loss following 16-straight wins, including notable victories over Vitor Ribeiro, Duane Ludwig, and Rafaello Oliveira.
The “Strikeforce: Diaz vs. Daley” fight card is headlined by welterweight champ Nick Diaz vs. Paul Daley and the Showtime-televised main card also includes lightweight champ Gilbert Melendez vs. Tatsuya Kawajiri and former light heavyweight champ Gegard Mousasi vs. Mike Kyle.
Aoki (26-5) dropped his U.S. and Strikeforce debut to champion Gilbert Melendez last April, but bounced back with three-straight wins before suffering a second-round KO in a mixed rules bout on New Year’s Eve.
Beerbohm (16-1) dropped a unanimous decision to Pat Healy in February for his first career loss following 16-straight wins, including notable victories over Vitor Ribeiro, Duane Ludwig, and Rafaello Oliveira.
The “Strikeforce: Diaz vs. Daley” fight card is headlined by welterweight champ Nick Diaz vs. Paul Daley and the Showtime-televised main card also includes lightweight champ Gilbert Melendez vs. Tatsuya Kawajiri and former light heavyweight champ Gegard Mousasi vs. Mike Kyle.
