Both men have struggled as of late after brilliant starts to their careers. Specifically, Beerbohm went 15-0 before dropping his last two tussles, while his Brazilian adversary was considered to be one of the top 155ers in MMA before notching losses in three of his previous four outings.

“Fancy Pants” last fought in April where he was submitted by Shinya Aoki in a little over ninety seconds at “Strikeforce: Diaz vs. Daley”. Prior to the defeat Beerbohm had never been finished, only outpointed once, while ending the evenings of his opponents in thirteen of his fifteen total victories.

The upcoming appearance on “Strikeforce: Fedor vs. Henderson” will mark the second on a Strikeforce card for Cavalcante in six weeks after facing Justin Wilcox at “Strikeforce: Overeem vs. Werdum”. However, their match-up ended prematurely after an accidental eyepoke at the start of the second stanza rendered Wilcox unable to continue thus resulting in a “No Contest”. Cavalcante holds an overall record of 15-4-1 and has beaten the likes of Caol Uno, Michihiro Omigawa, and Vitor Ribeiro.

Beerbohm vs. Cavalcante adds to an already stacked lineup including headliners Dan Henderson and Fedor Emelianenko, as well as title-fight with women’s bantamweight champ Marloes Coenen putting her belt on the line against tough grappler Miesha Tate and polished pugilist Tim Kennedy testing his chin against hard-hitting Rob Lawler.

PHOTO CREDIT – STRIKEFORCE

News of the rumored rhubarb was first reported by MMAWeekly where sources were quoted as saying the bout had been verbally agreed upon by both sides and was being targeted for Strikeforce’s upcoming event on June 18 in Dallas.

Cavalcante made a name for himself in Japan under the K-1 banner where he scored a number of memorable wins including TKOs of Nam Phan, Vitor Ribeiro, and Hiroyuki Takaya. He has also claimed success over game adversaries like Rani Yahya, Michihiro Omigawa, and Bart Palaszewski, and was in the “Top 5” discussion until being slowed by injuries from 2008-2010.

Though Wilcox may lack Cavalcante’s experience and name recognition, the 11-3 grappler has notched victory in ten of his last eleven match-ups featuring impressive performances against David Douglas, Shamar Bailey, the aforementioned Riberio, and most recently Rodrigo Damm who he beat by way of TKO in April.

Strikeforce’s summer stop in the Lone Star State should be packed with entertainment, as Wilcox and Cavalcante join a line-up already highlighted by the second half of the Strikeforce World Grand Prix with Alistair Overeem taking on Fabricio Werdum and Josh Barnett back in action against Brett Rogers. Fan-favorite Gina Carano is also scheduled to fight Sarah D’Alelio at the event, plus former light heavyweight champion Muhammed “King Mo” Lawal will mix it up with Ovince St. Preux in hopes of earning a shot as winning his belt back.

PHOTO CREDIT – STRIKEFORCE

The situation is not lost on Cavalcante, who expressed his interest in a spot on Strikeforce’s January 29 event but was rebuffed based on the card already having been booked. As such, “J.Z.” is now targeting the promotion’s following show in February with a specific opponent in mind – Josh Thomson.

Cavalcante talked about his interest in a rematch with Thomson, as well offered his take on the UFC’s absorption of WEC, in a recent conversation with Tatame.

Interestingly, Cavalcante expressed concern about the UFC recently adding WEC’s weight-classes and doing away with the company as a whole even if he appreciated the opportunity some smaller fighters were going to get.

“That was great, a very good thing, mainly for the lighter ones, of 145-pound division or below. Even the guys on the lightweight division that got mixed up…It’s good to have more competition, but it’s a bad thing though because there’ll be many cuts. Everybody who was fighting on WEC will now fight (for the UFC), but I see many people getting fired. Many people will be fired because there (aren’t) so many events for all those fighters to fight. For the guys from WEC it was excellent, but I’d prefer if WEC had grown by itself and became as huge as (the UFC) even if both events belong to the same company, Zuffa. In my mind, as an athlete, I think that for the sport it’ll be better if WEC grew by itself.”

On the subject of his future, Cavalcante was very clear about wanting to fight Thomson and the nature of his desire to do so.

“In my mind, I think I did my job. I did enough to deserve the win,” the American Top Team-trained lightweight explained of his loss to “The Punk” in October. “I dominated the first and the last rounds, lost the second one, but that’s it… I won’t start pointing out people to blame. If I have to point out my finger to someone, that someone will be myself for not doing my job completely, only 50%. I had the chance to knock him down, I had the chance to submit him and I didn’t, so my focus is to keep improving those aspects of my game and don’t stay on this ‘almost there’ level… I want to win.”

As for the specific reasons why he wants to fight Thomson again, Cavalcante replied, “I hate this doubt that people now have about that fight.” He also acknowledged an increased comfort with the process of fighting Strikeforce could help too, elaborating that,”…a new event always brings you something new. A timing gap, the scheduling, and I had a problem with the Commission there and I didn’t have time to warm up and do my things, but I was prepared for it, and my mind was also prepared for it. I’d like to have this same opportunity again, at the same place, the same judges… I’d like that, even because I’d like to make it clear I went there to fight, that I’m capable of beating him, which I did last time, but they didn’t see it that way.”

Though the 18-3 Thomson is currently scheduled to face Tatsuya Kawajiri on New Year’s Eve at “Dynamite – Power of Courage” in Japan, meaning a very short turnaround period regardless of result, a second fight with Cavalcante would undoubtedly involve as much excitement as their previous pairing did. The Brazilian has never been finished in his twenty-fight career, has a near-even split between submission/TKO wins, and has emerged victorious against respected adversaries like Nam Phan, Michihiro Omigawa, Vitor Ribeiro, Bart Palaszewski, and Caol Uno.

PHOTO CREDIT – STRIKEFORCE

While being interviewed on the show, the American Top Team product mentioned he was still waiting for his check for beating Katsunori Kikuno this past July via split-decision. Cavalcante also implied he will avoid fighting for the Japanese promotion until the situation is resolved and that DREAM officials have refused to respond to his manager’s request for information on the subject.

Cavalcante is one of a number of fighters who have competed under the DREAM banner who has run into salary issues. Ralek Gracie recently mentioned he has yet to see a dime from his decision win over Kazushi Sakuraba on May 29th at DREAM 14, while Bibiano Fernandes, Nick Diaz, Jimmy Ambriz, and Gary Goodridge are among the group of other Mixed Martial Artists who have had problems receiving money from the company in a timely manner.

Opening up the event on Showtime, BJJ ace Andre Galvao and talented grappler Tyron Woodley both acknowledged the opportunity at hand when they lock horns. “Tyron is a tough fighter, a top wrestling guy who has fought three times on Strikeforce,” said Galvao of his undefeated opponent. “I am excited and have a good game plan. I’m ready to go.”

Woodley, on the other hand, stated he wasn’t as concerned with Galvao’s strategy against him so much as the chance to work his way towards a shot at welterweight gold. “I can’t concern myself on what an opponent my do. It’s up to me to turn my weaknesses into strengths,” he began. “This fight means a ton to me. I fought through the Strikeforce Challengers series. Fans got to learn my story as a fighter, they got to see me develop and get better each fight. They got to submit guys fast. They got to see me go through wars. This is definitely a step forward towards my dream to be a champion. We’ll get those fireworks going on Saturday.”

While both 170-pounders were well-behaved, Josh Thomson took time to talk trash in relation to his bout against Strikeforce newcomer JZ Cavalcante, though the smack was curiously directed at a lightweight peer rather than his Brazilian opponent and actually used in a complimentary fashion rather than a derogatory one.

“JZ is a savage and a beast and I think it’s a joke that you guys have a guy like Ben Henderson ranked above a guy like him,” said Thomson of Cavalcante and WEC’s lightweight champ. “I could go out there and fight the fight of my life and still lose. I have to beat him everywhere; there is no way I am going to win this fight doing one thing. JZ has fought some good ones all over the world. He is probably bigger and hits harder so I know I have to lay it on the line and see what happens.”

However, American Top Team’s Cavalcante avoided posturing of any sort, opting instead to address his recent injury problems and excitement about fighting the former 155-pound champ in front of an American crowd. “I was off a long time because of my injuries but I’ve seen a lot by working with teammates and other guys that have helped me stay involved in the game…but there is nothing like a real fight,” said the 27-year old. “This will be an excellent fight and I’m really looking forward to it and fighting for Strikeforce. I like being part of a fight fans want to see and are talking about. This is my chance to make a name for myself in America.”

All four participants slated for the evening’s title-bouts also had a chance to address their opponents and offer a take on the event as a whole. Female welterweight champ Sarah Kaufman expressed her appreciation for defending her belt on a major card, saying, “This is definitely a big deal for the 135-pound division and a big push forward for it. The more attention and exposure we get, the more the fan base will grow. There’s already a good fan base for the Strikeforce women at 145 pounds, so this is a great opportunity for us and the division.”

Her adversary on Saturday, Marloes Coenen, stated dropping down a division to face Kaufman hadn’t hurt her power, and said the chance to hoist Strikeforce gold above her head meant a tremendous amount to her. “This fight means the world to me. I won a world tournament in Japan ten years ago and here I am again, ten years later, with another opportunity to win another potentially life-changing event. A victory means I can stay and have a career in America. I would love that to happen very much,” said the Dutch submission specialist.

Closing the press conference out, headlining rivals Diaz and Noons maintained civility while discussing their long-awaited rematch rather than resorting to behavior similar to that bringing about a post-fight melee in their EliteXC days.

“I have respect for Nick as a fighter. His style works for him and I like to watch him fight,” said Noons of the welterweight champion. “The first fight I worked on going forward against Nick because Nick never fights going backward, but I’ve been working on all aspects of the game. I’m sure at some point he’s going to try and take me down but I am ready for anything.”

Diaz keep things professional as well. “I feel good and weight-wise I am almost perfect. I was angry for a long time (about the first fight). I was real upset that it ended the way it did because it wasn’t like I was hurt. Then I kind of dropped the idea of ever fighting a rematch because he got out of MMA. I never considered the first fight as a loss. I just always looked at it as a fight that was stopped (too soon),” replied Diaz when asked about his initial scrap with part-time pro boxer Noons and the bout’s stoppage for cuts.

However, the Stockton native closed things out by making sure fans understood he won’t be entering the ring on Saturday with personal feelings getting in the way of his ultimate goal of retaining his strap.

“I don’t feel that this fight is about revenge…but I’m happy now that he took the fight.”

“Strikeforce – Diaz vs. Noons II” takes place in Strikeforce’s home-base of San Jose and will be available for viewing this Saturday night on Showtime beginning at 9:00 PM ET (delayed on the West Coast).

PHOTO CREDIT – Esther Lin / STRIKEFORCE

Regardless of how well-known he is or isn’t, Cavalcante will almost certainly maintain the interest of both groups this October 9th when he makes his Strikeforce debut in San Jose against former promotional lightweight champ Josh Thomson. Both well-rounded in terms of skill, Thomson and Cavalcante have nearly identical records and a fearless approach to fighting, as well as an understanding of the bout’s significance in terms of 155-pound contendership.

The 27-year old Brazilian recently sat down with media and spoke about the upcoming bout, his present health after a handful of unfortunate injuries, and why he feels more relaxed than usual entering things even though he’ll be facing a hometown product at the event.

“It’s been a long time since I’ve fought in the U.S. I am glad to be fighting here and Josh is a former champion and it will be a tough fight,” Cavalcante explained. “It is not an easy task to come over to the U.S. and have a good fight but life isn’t easy. I like the challenge and I think the fans want to watch this fight. As a fan want to watch this fight.”

“I don’t feel pressure especially since people don’t know me and they don’t know what to expect…so there is no pressure at all,” he continued. “There is more pressure when people know you and expect you to do well. I have been through situations with pressure from the fans expecting things and pressure from myself. I am not putting pressure on myself to do well. I know my potential. I know I am training hard and have an excellent camp…almost the best in the world and I have great teammates. I just keep focused and control and try to keep everything balanced.”

“I am always fighting in someone else’s territory, and I know it’s different in Japan…everyone is quiet and respectful, whereas here people are loud, screaming and booing,” Cavalcante said of Thomson being a San Jose native. “But a fight in a fight. I am so grateful I have a great camp. I’ve been through this with my corner men, and we have a strong connection and experience together.”

As far as his ongoing recovery from a slew of rib/knee injuries sustained while training or in bouts, Cavalcante expressed confidence in his current state while referencing his decision win over Katsunori Kikuno at DREAM 15 earlier this year. “I am feeling good,” he said on the subject. “I fought in July. It was a good fight…I fought for 15 minutes…I felt a big rusty because of the injury, but now I am healthy. After that fight I am much more confident, mentally physically, everything is there. I am training good, thank God.”

Per the usual, Cavalcante also spoke about how he felt his match-up with Thomson would go and whether or not he felt the outcome would be affected by competing in a cage rather than the four-sided ring he is more-accustomed to fighting in.

“I train a lot in the cage,” he said dismissively of the difference. “Most of my teammates fight in the cage, so I have been training with them. My game works well in the cage…sometimes even better than in the ring. I think both the cage and ring have pros and cons but I always look for the pros in my favor. I am working hard and nothing is different.”

In conclusion, he showed due respect to Thomson and recognized the need to take a general approach to strategy rather than expect an easy win based on any particular holes in the former Strikeforce champion’s game.

“I am going to look for everything…Both of us are complete fighters. I can come and fight – he can stand up, go to the ground, he can take down. So I am not looking for anything in particular. Don’t miss the fight…I am looking to fight my hardest for fifteen minutes, so when he makes a mistake I can grab it and win the fight.”

Cavalcante is 15-3-1 in his career with past wins over Caol Uno, Bart Palaszewski, and Vitor “Shaolin” Ribeiro. While he has beaten twelve of his opponents by way of submission/TKO, he himself has never been finished and owes all three of his losses to ringside scoring.

In addition to Cavalcante vs. Thomson, Strikeforce’s October 9th event is scheduled to feature a welterweight title-fight between Nick Diaz and KJ Noons, as well as 135-pound champion Sarah Kaufman putting her belt up for grabs against Marloes Coenen. Matt Lindland will also face Luke Rockhold at the show.

The 27-year old Brazilian bounced back with a split-decision win over Katsunori Kikuno last July after nearly a year-long layoff from the sport, and will apparently look to continue regaining more of his mojo on Strikeforce’s October 9th offering in a bout against former promotional champ Josh “The Punk” Thomson.

The pairing will serve as Cavalcante’s Strikeforce debut and comes after signing a four-fight deal with the company earlier this year.

News of the match-up was originally reported by Cavalcante’s manager, Alex Davis, during a recent conversation with MMAWeekly. Five Ounces of Pain has since confirmed the bout with Strikeforce officials.

Thomson is 9-1 in his last ten bouts with the only loss coming by way of decision to current Strikeforce lightweight title-holder Gilbert Melendez last December. Prior to the fight Thomson hadn’t lost since March 2006. He has only been finished once in a career spanning nearly a decade and is 17-3 overall as a professional.

The card is slated to be headlined by a grudge-match disguised as a title fight in the form of 170-pound champ Nick Diaz defending his belt against rival KJ Noons, as well as feature Sarah Kaufman putting her welterweight strap up for grabs against Marloes Coenen and rising middleweight star Luke Rockhold facing veteran Matt Lindland. The event will take place October 9th in the promotion’s home-base of San Jose, California’s HP Pavilion.

Apparently Cavalcante seems to have twisted his knee during wrestling practice according to a recent report from Tatame.com.

No news is immediately available as to whether or not a replacement opponent will be tracked down for Nakamura.

DREAM 11 is set for October 6 and will feature the second round of the “Super Hulk” Grand Prix, and the final round of the DREAM Featherweight Grand Prix.

Cavalvante’s management was able to confirm the bout earlier today through a report on MMANews.com.

DREAM 11 will take place on September 23 from Tokyo, Japan.

Alvarez is on a three fight win streak where he won Bellator’s first lightweight tournament after suffering a disappointing first round submission loss to Shinya Aoki on New Years Eve of 2008. Prior to the loss to Aoki he had racked up five straight wins over the likes of Andre “Dida” Amade, Joachim Hansen and Tatsuya Kawajiri.

Cavalcante will be looking to bounce back from back to back decision losses at the hands of Tatsuya Kawajiri at DREAM 9, and Shinya Aoki at DREAM 2. He has put together victories over Bart Palaszewski, Caol Uno, Nam Phan and Vitor Ribeiro during the course of his impressive career as a lightweight.

Update: Alvarez’s manager, Monte Cox, is now quoted as saying the bout is unlikely to take place.

“I can’t talk too much about it now, but we’re probably going to announce another broadcast deal pretty soon with a cable network that will do similar to what you’re saying — where you’ll see all our brands in action,” DeLuca said in response to a question about the fight’s promotion’s long-term TV plans.

At the time, DeLuca was unwilling to elaborate on who the potential partner would be. However, it now appears that the mystery network has been revealed. During a press conference last week in Anaheim to promote “Affliction: Banned” on pay-per-view as well as the pre-show, “Affliction: LIVE” on Fox Sports Net, FSN Executive Vice President George Greenberg indicated that the basic cable sports provider was about to begin airing EliteXC.

“For us at FSN, we’ve shown UFC; we’ve shown PRIDE; we’ve shown the IFL; we’re about to show ProElite,” Greenberg said during last week’s presser.

Since the press conference was to promote Affliction’s first-ever event this past Saturday, Greenberg didn’t elaborate. However, based on the comments by both DeLuca and Greenberg, it appears something in the works. Exactly what is not for certain. EliteXC could be looking to package old footage of its previous shows and air them in a one-hour format, similar to “UFC Unleashed” on Spike TV. Or, they could try to create a secondary live events package that would make its Cage Rage and ICON Sport brands available on FSN.

FSN’s desire to get involved with EliteXC seems very logical given the circumstances. With its PRIDE contract having expired, the only MMA that FSN is televising right now is the IFL. However, the IFL’s contract with FSN will expire at the end of the Summer and if the UFC is able to complete a purchase of the New York-based fight company, it’s unlikely that an extension of the current deal will be worked out.