After the Florida State Boxing Commission declined to approve Yohan Banks (2-1 MMA, 2-0 SF) as an opponent for former WEC star Bobby Lashley (4-0 MMA, 0-0 SF) at the Jan. 30 event, "Strikeforce: Miami," the promotion has come up with another option.
Journeyman Jimmy Ambriz (14-12-1 MMA, 0-0 SF) has been targeted by the promotion as a late replacement for Banks, and the matchup is now waiting on approval from the FSBC.
MMAjunkie.com (
www.mmajunkie.com) first learned of the potential matchup late Thursday night, and FiveOuncesOfPain.com has since reported the proposed bout citing a source close to one of the fighters.
A super heavyweight, Ambriz has been competing professionally since 2001. A veteran of such organizations as the WEC, DREAM, K-1, Pancrase, King of the Cage and Rage in the Cage, among others, Ambriz has fought all over the world. Win or lose, most of Ambriz's bouts have ended quickly, with 21 of his 27 career contests ending in the first round.
The Huntington Beach, Calif., resident has faced a host of notables in his career, including Josh Barnett, Justin Eilers, Scott Junk, Sergei Kharitonov, Jerome LeBanner, Jeff Monson, Ricco Rodriguez, Chris Tuchscherer, Ruben Villareal and Ron Waterman, among others.
Banks was recently removed from the proposed matchup with Lashley when the FSBC "determined that the bout was not competitive." No word yet from the commission on whether the fight with Ambriz has or will be approved.
Strikeforce officials were not immediately available for comment when contacted by MMAjunkie.com.
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