Luke Rockhold drops out of upcoming title defense

Strikeforce middleweight champion Luke RockholdThe career of Strikeforce middleweight champion Luke Rockhold continues to be derailed by injuries. Rockhold was set to defend his title against undefeated former light heavyweight Lorenz Larkin. However, the champion has reportedly injured his wrist and will be unable to compete.

The Strikeforce card takes place Nov. 3 at the Chesapeake Energy Arena in Oklahoma City. Rockhold-Larkin was to serve as the co-main event with a heavyweight bout between Grand Prix champion Daniel Cormier and former UFC champion Frank Mir. However, Mir has also fallen off the card with an injury. The last time Strikeforce lost a headliner, Gilbert Melendez, the card was cancelled completely.

Rockhold won the belt with a decision victory over former champion Ronaldo "Jacare" Souza. Since then, he has successfully defended the belt twice against Keith Jardine and Tim Kennedy. The American Kickboxing Academy product is undefeated since 2007, but he has continually been forced out of bouts with injuries.

Larkin dropped to middleweight after being manhandled by former Strikeforce light heavyweight champion Muhammed "King Mo" Lawal last January. Lawal was dominant, but the bout was later changed to a "no contest" after "King Mo" tested positive for Drostanolone. In his middleweight debut, Larkin scored an upset victory over former Elite XC champion Robbie Lawler.

Cormier is expected to remain on the card against a new opponent. Pat Barry has been rumored as a possible opponent.