By FCF Staff

Just days removed from its upcoming July 22^nd, Challengers event in Las Vegas, Nevada, Strikeforce has announced that Louis Taylor will not compete on the card as scheduled due to injury. The promotion announced via its Twitter account that Anthony Smith has verbally agreed to step in and fight Ben Lagman.

Smith (12-7) heads into the contest having won four straight fights, which includes a recent stoppage victory over Bellator vet Eric Schambari.

Lagman (6-1) is coming off a first round, TKO win over Angelo Popofski at a King of the Cage event in April, 2010. The bout marked the only time Lagman has competed since he was defeated by Kenny McCorkell in December, 2009.

Strikeforce’s next Challengers card, which will be hosted by The Pearl at the Palms Casino Resort in Las Vegas, will feature a third bout between lightweight Bobby Voelker and Roger Bowling in the main event.

The card will be broadcast on Showtime.