Another Fighter Signs Multi Year Deal With Strikeforce

Brazilian lightweight Jorge Gurgel is a rare breed in Mixed Martial Arts ripe with respect and possessing as big a heart as there is in the sport. A BJJ blackbelt, Gurgel often opts to stand and exchange on his feet against opponents rather than rely on his grappling background out of a love for the competition and appreciation for fans’ expectations of excitement. Beyond that, in a brutal bout with K.J. Noons this past August, though Gurgel was knocked down a split-second after the end of the opening round and went on to fall shortly thereafter in the following frame, never once did “J.G.” contemplate quitting, fault officials, or blame Noons for the infraction.

In news that should fall on welcome ears to those who enjoy Gurgel’s unique combination of charisma, courage, and combative skills, Five Ounces of Pain has learned from sources close to the Cincinnati resident that Gurgel has agreed to a new five-fight deal with Strikeforce and is likely to be in action on March 5 when the promotion journeys to Columbus. No opponent has been attached to the potential match-up. A request for an official comment from Strikeforce has not been returned as of this posting.

Gurgel has gone 1-2 in Strikeforce after a two-year stint in the UFC but entertained throughout in the trio of bouts including a decision win over Conor Heun in mid-2009. He is 13-7 in his career with nine submissions victories to his credit (one by way of strikes).