Strikeforce "Rousey vs. Kaufman" adds Souza-Brunson and Bowling-Saffiedine

By: Jamie Penick, MMATorch Editor-in-Chief

Strikforce's August 18 event in San Diego is beginning to take shape with the official announcement of two more fights for the event. On Thursday, Strikeforce officials confirmed that former Strikeforce Middleweight Champion Ronaldo "Jacare" Souza will take on Derek Brunson, and welterweights Tarec Saffiedine and Roger Bowling will square off as well.

Souza returned to action in March for the first time since losing his title last September, and he picked up a fairly easy win over late replacement opponent Bristol Marunde. Brunson was actually going to get that fight, but the Ohio athletic commission wouldn't approve him medically due to poor vision and a rule disallowing contact lenses. His next move was to undergo Lasik surgery, and now he's getting his opportunity again against Souza.

Saffiedine has won three of his four appearances in Strikeforce, losing only by decision to Tyron Woodley. He brings a 12-3 record into this fight, and has won five of his last six, including two straight. Bowling has won three of four, including two straight himself. Most recently, he defeated the now-infamous Brandon Saling at the March event.

The August 18 event takes place from the Valley View Casino Center in San Diego, Calif., headlined by a Strikeforce Women's Bantamweight Championship bout between Ronda Rousey and Sarah Kaufman.

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