Chad Griggs is the latest beneficiary of Strikeforce's heavyweight migration. The Arizona firefighter signed with the UFC over the holiday weekend and is slated to debut against Travis Browne at UFC 145, according to promotion officials.
A 33-year-old part-time fighter out of Tucson, Griggs (11-1) enters the Octagon after a violent 3-0 run inside Strikeforce. Sporting six straight wins due to strikes, "The Grave Digger" is a noted knockout artist with a hit list that includes Bobby Lashley, Gian Villante, and Valentijn Overeem.
Across the cage, Browne (12-0-1), a 29-year-old Greg Jackson product, hopes to continue an undefeated run that has pegged him as one of the division's brightest prospects. The native Hawaiian has finished ten of his twelve opponents thus far, including a spectacular superman punch KO of Stephan Struve that won "Knockout of the Night" at UFC 130. Browne last fought to a unanimous decision win against Rob Broughton in September.
UFC 145 takes place March 24th, 2012 in Montreal, Canada. The event is expected to be held at the Bell Centre.
UFC 145 fight card:
Welterweight: Rory MacDonald vs. Che Mills
Heavyweight: Chad Griggs vs. Travis Browne