November 21st, 2008, Renato “Babalu” Sobral will attempt to take the belt from Strikeforce Light Heavyweight Champion, Bobby Southworth. The battle will go down at the HP Pavilion in San Jose, California.

“It’s my title and I plan on defending it… The stabilization in my knee is back and so is my strength.” – Southworth (Source)

“Bobby called me out and I gladly accepted the challenge. On Friday, the world will learn what Bobby already knows – that this was the biggest mistake of his career. I’m going to be looking for the knockout. If I have to break my hand on his face, I will.” – Sobral (Source)

Babalu used to be a contender for the UFC until he was released from his contract for excessively maintaining a submission hold on opponent David Heath at UFC 74. He also fought at Affliction Banned, and will continue with Affliction’s next event – Day of Reckoning against Matt Lindland.