ShoMMA: Strikeforce Challengers Series

Billy Evangelista will headline against tough Hawaiian Mike Aina.

Strikeforce issued a press release today confirming three main card fights for the upcoming ShoMMA: Strikeforce Challengers Series, to be held at the Savemart Center in Fresno, CA.

The event is set to be headlined by undefeated lightweight Billy Evangelista (9-0) vs. “Iron” Mike Aina (11-6-1). Aina is a training partner of B.J. Penn and trains in Hawaii, while Evangelista fights out of Fresno.

Also on the card will be a bout between Kim Couture (1-1), wife of UFC hall-of-famer Randy, and Miesha Tate (5-1). Couture posted her first career win when she defeated Lina Kvokov in November of last year, and her work with K-1 legend Ray Sefo (and the many other talents at Xtreme Couture) is said to have played a roll in that victory.

Tate is a veteran on a four fight winning streak, credited with a strong wrestling background and solid coaching from Dennis “Superman” Hallman.

The third fight that has been added is a bout between lightheavyweights Aaron Rosa (11-2) and Anthony Ruiz (21-12). Rosa comes into the fight with a recent win over Ron Fields (shaking off tough back to back losses in the ShoXC Elite Challengers Series). Anthony “El Toro” Ruiz will enter the cage with wins over Bobby Southworth (TKO, cut), Jimmy “The Titan” Ambriz (Verbal Submission) and Brad Imes (Split Decision). Ruiz, in my opinion, looks to be a favorite on the basis of his experience, but it should make for an excellent fight.

Also expected to appear on the card is Madera based “Big” Lavar Johnson (11-3), a heavyweight with a reputation for big hands and a willingness to brawl who has long be a staple of local shows in central California. Lavar’s opponent has not been announced.

The event will air at 11 P.M. Eastern and Pacific time, by delay on the west coast.