http://www.studiomma.com/articles/exclusive-%E2%80%93-bristol-marunde-derek-brunson-face-%E2%80%9Cjacare%E2%80%9D-souza
STUDIO MMA, RIVERSIDE – Middleweight Bristol Marunde replaces Derek Brunson at Strikeforce: Tate vs. Rousey to face former Strikforce champion Ronaldo “Jacare” Souza.
Our (Studiomma.com) sources close to Strikeforce have confirmed the bout set for March 3rd at the Nationwide Arena, in Columbus, Ohio.
Jacare's original opponent, Brunson didn’t pass his medical requirements for the bout. Later Brunson cleared things up citing a failed eye exam and the Ohio Athletic Commission not allowing him to fight with contact lenses.
The current Superior Cage Combat (SCC) champion Marunde (15-6) makes his Strikeforce debut on short notice to face one of the best middleweights in the world. Currently riding a four fight win streak over TUF vet Shane Primm, Chuck Grigsby, Victor Moreno and recently coming off a unanimous decision victory over UFC vet Jay Silva at SCC 3, early last year.
Souza (14-3) is coming off his first loss since ’08, losing his Strikeofrce middleweight title to Luke Rockhold in a 5 round war. Prior to the Rockhold bout, Souza was on an impressive four fight win streak, defeating notable fighters Matt Lindland, Joey Villasenor, Tim Kennedy and Robbie Lawler.