Strikeforce: Former UFC Champ Andrei Arlovski Signs Multi-Fight Deal

By: Chad Edward Posted On: March 1, 2010 at 5:53pm

Former UFC heavyweight champion “Pitbull” Andrei Arlovski (14-7) has signed a 16-month, multi-fight contract to fight for San Jose-based MMA promotion Strikeforce, Arlovski’s management announced Monday.

It’s been a long road back to mixed martial arts from consecutive knockout losses to Fighters.com Heavyweight Champion “Last Emperor” Fedor Emelianenko (31-1) at Affliction in January 2009 and sixth-ranked “Grim” Brett Rogers (10-1) at Strikeforce in June 2009, after which Arlovski went on hiatus from MMA as he considered a boxing career.

Sherdog reports that Arlovski is likely to fight “Bigfoot” Antonio Silva (12-2) in St. Louis May 15.