http://www.mmaweekly.com/absolutenm/templates/dailynews.asp?articleid=4809&zoneid=2
Strikeforce promoter Scott Coker saw Babalu’s free agent status as an opportunity.
“I’ve followed his career. He’s definitely a talented 205-pounder and we’re going to build that division up,” Coker said ringside at the Playboy Mansion. “We thought he’d be a great asset.”
“Here’s the thing,” Coker responded. “You get in the cage, it’s an emotional thing. Tempers flare. It’s a fight. So, I’m not concerned that it will happen again. I’m sure he’s learned his lesson the hard way. But everybody deserves a second chance.”
Coker said Babalu would likely make his debut later this year. Two possible opponents included former UFC heavyweight champ Kevin Randleman, or more likely, current Strikeforce light heavyweight champ Bobby Southworth.
Babalu wasn’t particularly excited about a rematch with Kevin Randleman. But a shot at Southworth’s belt seemed hard to resist.
“He’s the champion, so I respect him a lot,” Sobral said. “He did very well [in his last fight].”
Southworth was taken aback by the news.
“That’s news to me,” Southworth told MMAWeekly. “I was under the impression I’d be fighting Nov. 16. For a guy like Babalu, I’d definitely like a little more time to prepare. I have no problem fighting him.
“He’s a great fighter … a little more experienced than me, but not more skilled. He’s going to try to submit me, so I’d try to sprawl and brawl, keep it on the feet. I think I’m a more technical striker, try to pick him apart. Babalu is hard to stop. I’d probably try to outpoint him.”
Southworth’s words didn’t surprise Sobral.
“Of course, everybody thinks I’m not very good in standup,” Sobral said. “He has his game and I have my game. He’s going to push his game and I’m going to push my game, and we’ll see what’s going to happen. He has to know that trouble’s coming.”
“I’m very happy that Strikeforce gave me the deal,” Sobral said. “I have no hard feelings with the UFC. I [have to] pay my bills. Everybody can make a mistake in his life. But I’m not going to change the way I fight. I’m born to do this. I’m ready to die and prepared to kill. That’s who I am.”