Another pound of dynamite could be added to Strikeforce's upcoming eight-man middleweight tournament.
Scott Coker, the promotion's CEO, told MMAjunkie.com today that he plans to invite fearsome striker Melvin Manhoef (24-7-1 MMA, 0-1 SF) to the field, which is expected to begin Aug. 21 at "Strikeforce: Houston."
Coker added that former middleweight champion Cung Le (7-1 MMA, 7-1 SF) will not participate in the tourney and will stick to "superfights."
Manhoef, a K-1 and DREAM veteran, made his U.S. debut in January at "Strikeforce: Miami" and battered former EliteXC middleweight champion Robbie Lawler before he caught a punch that knocked him out cold in the first round.
The Amsterdam resident detests going the distance; only two of his 32 professional MMA fights have involved the judges. Despite the price his record pays for his wild style, he has won legions of fans stateside and overseas.
Manhoef next fights journeyman Tatsuya Mizuno at DREAM.15 on July 10.
As MMAjunkie previously reported, other tournament invitees include Ronaldo "Jacare" Souza, Robbie Lawler, Tim Kennedy, Dan Henderson and Jason "Mayhem" Miller. Additionally, the winner of an upcoming World Victory Road/Sengoku bout between Kazuo Misaki and champ Jorge Santiago is under consideration for the field.
Coker previously said that welterweight champion Nick Diaz is also targeted for the tournament, though it's unclear whether he will be able to participate due to a three-month suspension being served for his role in a brawl at "Strikeforce: Nashville." Miller's availability could also be affected because of the incident.
Le, who rematched and defeated Scott Smith earlier this month at "Strikeforce and M-1 Global: Fedor vs. Werdum," initially was among the eight targeted tounrey fighters but later told MMAWeekly.com that he has no desire to compete in the tournament.
Coker said today that the shape of the tournament and number of events in which it will play out still are being decided.
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