Rockhold (Photo credit: Esther Lin/Strikeforce)

By FCF Staff

Following his unanimous decision win over Tim Kennedy in July, Strikeforce Middleweight Champion Luke Rockhold will reportedly fight Lorenz Larkin on November 3rd, and not former champ Ronaldo “Jacare” Souza.

After Souza recorded a quick, KO win over Derek Brunson in August, Strikeforce CEO Scott Coker indicated that a rematch with Rockhold might materialize soon. According to a report from MMA Weekly, however, the promotion has elected to go with Larkin.

Strikeforce has not made any official announcement regarding the fight.

Larkin (13-0) is coming off a unanimous decision win over Robbie Lawler in July. Prior to that the noted striker was stopped by Muhammed “King Mo” Lawal in January, but the fight was later declared a no contest, after Lawal failed a post fight drug test.

Rockhold (10-1) has defended his Strikeforce title twice now, since he scored a UD win over Souza in their initial meeting in September, 2011, which includes a stoppage win over Keith Jardine in January.

The upcoming November 3^rd card will be hosted by the Chesapeake Energy Arena in Oklahoma City and will be broadcast on Showtime.

The event will also feature a heavyweight fight between Daniel Cormier and Frank Mir.