While the opportunity to fight live on CBS might be one which few fighters could possibly pass up, it appears Bobby Lashley has other things he'd rather be doing.
Originally tipped to face Shane Del Rosario, a heavyweight prospect with devastating Muai Thai who has made a career out of shortening lives in the M-1 Challenge, Lashley's camp announced their fighter had not accepted the bout, and would likely not be appearing on Strikeforce's second foray onto prime time network television.
Lashley announced Monday that nasal surgery in March was preventing him from accepting the bout, but that he expected to return on Strikeforce's card in May titled, Heavy Artillery. The announcement contradicts earlier reports that attempts to book Lashley on the card were unsuccessful. Additionally, reports from last year indicated that Lashley's camp had no interest in a bout with Del Rosario, a fighter with significantly more striking acumen than Lashley. These reports are fueling rumors that Lashley's handlers are still wanting "soft ball" opponents, rather than wanting to see the former WWE star matched up with prospects at similar career points. Sportsbook cappers would almost certainly favor Del Rosario in the event of such a match, yet Del Rosario and Lashley are two fighters with similar ring and training time. The bout is considered an appropriate next-step for Lashley by industry insiders and fans of sports betting alike.
Strikeforce: Nashville, will take place April 17, from Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Tennessee, and will be broadcast live on CBS. The card features headline bouts between Jake Shields and Dan Henderson, and Gegard Mousasi and Muhammed "King MO" Lawal. The card also features the Strikeforce debut of consensus number two lightweight, Shinya Aoki, who takes on Strikeforce lightweight champ, Gilbert Melendez.
While no opponent has been announced for Lashley on May's card, it will be telling to see just whom - if anyone - is tipped to face the former WWE star.