Strikeforce is quietly building up its 170 pound division with American born prospects which now includes. 

• Bowling 
• Tyron Woodley
• Jesse Taylor
• Shamar Bailey
• Lyle Beerbohm 
• Paul Bradley    

Will be interesting how each of these guys develop over the next two years with Ex Ultimate Fighter cast members Taylor and Bradley  serving as good benchmarks for the rest of the up and comers in the weight class. 

Expect Bowling to debut with Strikeforce in February or March 2010 

Press Release 

"Relentless" Roger Bowling, the undefeated MMA Big Show Welterweight kingpin, has signed a contract with San Jose-based StrikeForce, one of the top MMA promotions in America. The signing took place during intermission at the "Full Force" event on Saturday, Oct. 24th.

Bowling, who has yet to go to a decision or even see the 2nd round in his career, is considered by many to be one of the top welterweight prospects in MMA. Known for his cardio, brutal strikes, and excellent wrestling, he is expected to make his StrikeForce debut in February or March 2010. He holds quality wins over former IFL fighter Seth Baczynski and current StrikeForce fighter Shamar Bailey, and his last fight was a victory over Devon Plaisance via TKO at Big Show's "Unstoppable" event in July. Bowling was scheduled to fight UFC veteran War Machine in June and then September, but had to pull out due to injuries both times, sparking a verbal feud between the two. With that behind him, Bowling is moving on to bigger and better things.

"I have been lucky enough to have one of the most supportive fan and family bases, which has helped me get to where I am today," stated the young 6-0 fighter. "Without them, I wouldn't have worked as hard to be able to do what I've done so far, and I'm grateful to have this opportunity. I won't let the fans down; you can count on that."

MMA Big Show Owner/Promoter Jason Appleton, who is also Bowling's manager, explained "In talking with the guys at StrikeForce, I can say that I'm very excited for Roger to be given the opportunity to compete in their 170 lbs. division. I think it's time the world sees who Roger is and what he's capable of." Appleton also talked about how difficult the transition will be for him personally. "It's honestly like giving up your child for adoption to better-suited parents, but the Big Show is merely a springboard for talented fighters. When a fighter shines as bright as Roger has in the Big Show, my job is to help them get further in their career, even if it means them being exclusive to someone else."

HT: Roger Bowling dot com & Uniting Locals Through MMA