Strikeforce officially returning to Chicago in July
Almost two years after their last Chicago card, Strikeforce CEO Scott Coker confirmed Saturday, the MMA promotion will return July 30 to the Sears Centre Arena in Hoffman Estates.
Russian heavyweight Fedor Emelianenko will return in the main event to face Strikeforce light-heavyweight champion Dan Henderson in a 220-pound non-title, catchweight bout. The main card will at begin at 9 p.m. and air on Showtime, with all undercard bouts airing at 7 p.m. on HDNet.
“Chicago is a great city for sports and MMA and MMA is another great sport,” Coker said. “It’s a hotbed for MMA.”
During its last visit to Chicago, Emelianenko defeated Brett Rogers on Nov. 9, 2009. The long-dominant heavyweight Emelianenko will seek to snap a two-fight losing streak. Coker said the city’s large Russian population was a factor in returning to Chicago,
His opponent, veteran Dan Henderson, has won his last two of three, including defeating Rafael Cavalcante for the light-heavyweight title. He signed with Strikeforce in after leaving the UFC following his win against Michael Bisping at UFC 100 in July 2009,
Tickets go on sale next Saturday and begin at $35 and range up to $350. They can be purchased at searscentre.com or (888) 732-7784.
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