Yet another twist has struck the Shark Fights heavyweight title picture in what is quickly becoming the most convoluted main event of recent MMA history. After being declined a license by the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation due to incomplete medical paperwork, Mark Martinez has been replaced by Karl Knothe (20-6) to fight Bobby Lashley (6-1) for the heavyweight belt at Shark Fights 21.
Knothe is the fifth man to be linked to Lashley since the former-WWE star inked a three-fight deal with the Texas-based promotion in September. At various times Darrill Schoonover, Tim Hague, Dave Huckaba, and Martinez have all been tapped as reported opponents before withdrawing for a variety of reasons.
Creatively known as "The Original Son of Punishment", Knothe is a Gorrila Combat veteran training out of Stillwater, Minnesota. Considered a formidable finisher with just one decision to his name, Knothe enters the bout in the midst of a twelve-fight win streak but has yet to compete in 2011.
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