Bobby Lashley Rumored to Face Shane Del Rosario at Strikeforce: Miami (Update)

I originally saw the rumor on MMA Worldwide and now Five Knuckles is also reporting that Bobby Lashley will face fellow undefeated heavyweight prospect, Shane Del Rosario.  If this fight comes to fruition then congratulations to Strikeforce.  Most would expect them to spoon feed Lashley his first opponent in order to help build his image and reputation.  If not spoon feed than at least give him a fighter who matches up perfectly.  Cough, Cough, Mike Whitehead/King Mo, Cough Cough. 

However, Lashley is going to face a very tough test in his Strikeforce debut.  Rosario is 9-0 and coming off a submission win over a previously undefeated prospect in Brandon Cash.  Rosario was actually getting rocked by Cash until the fight hit the mat and Rosario scored the victory with an Omoplata.  Rosario locking in an Omoplata is a scary sign for Lashley and future opponents considering Rosario is more known for his power.

This is a very smart move by Strikeforce because whoever wins the fight becomes a promotable commodity.  Lashley is not a huge draw right now, but thanks to his professional wrestling he has a big enough name that a win over him would be a nice marketable push for Rosario.  On the other hand, a win over Rosario would go a long way among the hardcore fans for Lashley and a win obviously makes it easier for Strikeforce to promote him.  Good decision all around with this fight.

Update: A new report says that Shane Del Rosario will not fight Bobby Lashley at Strikeforce in Miami.

SBN coverage of Strikeforce in Miami