Arlovski signs with Strikeforce, will fight Antonio Silva on May 15th

Andrei Arlovski announced through his website that he has signed a multi-fight deal with Strikeforce that will run 16 months.

The former UFC heavyweight champion previously fought under the Strikeforce banner but was not retained after Arlovski was knocked out by Brett Rogers in twenty-two seconds. Prior to the fight with Rogers, Andrei suffered a knockout loss to Fedor Emelianenko at Affliction: Day of Reckoning. Andrei took time off after the back-to-back losses though it was recently announced that he would partake in a four round boxing exhibition against Fres Oquendo for charity.

The Belarusian fighter will face Antonio "Bigfoot" Silva on May 15th in St. Louis, Missouri. It was previously reported that Silva turned down a fight with Josh Barnett at DREAM.13 in the hopes of getting a fight with either Arlovski or Rogers.

Speculation now turns to consensus #1 ranked heavyweight Feodr Emelianenko, as M-1 Global, the promotion that serves as Fedor's management, told the press that Fedor would fight in May against Fabricio Werdum. No word on whether this will be at the same event as the newly reported Arlovksi-Silva fight.