KEITH JARDINE BRINGS ON MIKE DOLCE FOR MOVE TO MIDDLEWEIGHT


“Keith Jardine Returns to Strikeforce in Dec; Brings on Mike Dolce for Move to Middleweight”
By Damon Martin
‘The Dean of Mean’ Keith Jardine will be back in action this December in the Strikeforce cage, and he’ll have some extra help as he makes his move to the middleweight division.
Jardine first announced that he expected to fight on the December card via his website.
“It looks like I’ll be fighting again for Strikeforce in December,” Jardine wrote. “It’s a little ways off, but it feels good to have a date.”
The card Jardine will appear on will also likely be the landing destination for the upcoming lightweight title fight between Strikeforce champion Gilbert Melendez and challenger Jorge Masvidal.
While the fight for the former ‘Ultimate Fighter’ 2 competitor is still a few months off, Jardine has been promising a move to 185lbs ever since his last fight in Strikeforce. In that bout, Jardine battled to a draw with former champion Gegard Mousasi.
Following the match-up Jardine announced his intentions to drop down to middleweight after a long career that was spent at both heavyweight and light heavyweight.
To ensure that he has the easiest weight cut possible, Jardine has employed the services of famed MMA nutritionist MIKE DOLCE to lead the charge.
Dolce has worked with several high profile fighters either in an initial weight cut process, or those who have had trouble making weight in the past. In all instances however Dolce’s reputation has made him one of the most sought after trainers in the business.
Jardine told MMAWeekly.com in early August that he would love his next fight to be against former Strikeforce middleweight champion Cung Le, but any big name would suffice because his ultimate goal is to get a shot at the 185lb title.
“I’ve fought so many guys that have had the belt, but never fought for the belt myself,” Jardine said. “I’ve probably fought five world champions before, and it’s about time I fight for the title.”
News on who Jardine might face in December has not been released yet, but sources have indicated that the card is still being put together by Strikeforce matchmaker Sean Shelby.
Follow Damon Martin on Twitter @DamonMartin