Lorenz Larkin hitting Scott Lighty

By FCF Staff

More than a few people were likely surprised when Strikeforce announced recently that Lorenz Larkin would challenge middleweight champ Luke Rockhold at the promotion’s upcoming November 3^rd card in Oklahoma. Although Larkin is one of the organization’s fastest rising fighters, due to recent comments from Strikeforce CEO Scott Coker, most observers were expecting a rematch between Rockhold and “Jacare” Souza to get booked.

Not only had Coker relayed that the promotion was interested in another Rockhold-Souza bout, but the former champion quickly knocked out Derek Brunson on August 18^th to record his second straight win.

While speaking to MMA Junkie this week, however, Coker offered some insights as to why Strikeforce ultimately granted Larkin (13-0) a title shot and not Souza.

In addition to citing the fighter’s undefeated record—Larkin’s loss to “King Mo” Lawal in January was declared a no contest after Lawal failed his post-fight drug test—Coker referred to Larkin as “probably the most dangerous striker in MMA right now.”

Coker also added that the unanimous decision win Larkin scored over feared slugger Robbie Lawler on July 14^th, was what in the end, entrenched his title shot.

Since signing with Strikeforce in 2011, the 26 year-old Larkin has also scored wins over Gian Villante, Scott Lighty and Nick Rossborough.

Rockhold (10-1) has recorded two more victories since he defeated Souza in September, by stopping Keith Jardine and more recently earning a UD win over Tim Kennedy.