Joey Beltran vs. Lavar Johnson Set for UFC on Fox 2

The UFC isn't wasting any time after announcing that the Strikeforce heavyweight division will fold after the conclusion of the grand prix tournament in March, with news breaking tonight via the UFC twitter account that Strikeforce fighter, Lavar Johnson, will make the jump to the UFC to face Joey Beltran in Chicago on January 28th:

Heavyweights added to @UFConFOX 2 in Chicago: Joey Beltran @Mexicutioner760 vs. @LavarJohnson

Although Johnson isn't technically the first fighter to make the jump from Strikeforce, as Fabricio Werdum's fight with Roy Nelson at UFC 143 was reported last week, he will still be fighting before Werdum does. As much of a threat as "Big"'s power is on the feet, he's shown some severe deficiencies on the ground, as evidenced by two submissions losses in his last two fights. Although Beltran will likely engage him on the feet, the "Mexicutioner" is in need of a win too, and he has shown an adequate take-down game in the past, so it might not be surprising nor a bad strategic movie if Beltran decides to get Johnson to the floor.

Joey "The Mexicutioner" Beltran (13-6)
L Stipe Miocic (unam. decision) - UFC 136
W Aaron Rosa (TKO) - UFC 131
L Pat Barry (unam. decision) - UFC Fight for the Troops 2

Lavar "Big" Johnson (15-5)
L Shawn Jordan (submission - keylock) - Strikeforce Challengers: Larkin vs. Rossborough
L Shane del Rosario (submission - armbar) - Strikeforce: Fedor vs. Silva
W Virgil Zwicker (KO) - Strikeforce Challengers: Bowling vs. Voelker

Here's how the UFC on Fox 2 card is currently stacking up:

Fox Main Card:
-Rashad Evans vs. Phil Davis
-Chael Sonnen vs. Mark Munoz
-Michael Bisping vs. Demian Maia
Fuel TV Prelims:
-Evan Dunham vs. Paul Sass
-Johnny Bedford vs. Eddie Wineland
-Joey Beltran vs. Lavar Johnson
-Michael Johnson vs. Cody McKenzie
-Jon Olav Einemo vs. Mike Russow
-George Roop vs. Cub Swanson
-Chris Camozzi vs. Dustin Jacoby

UFC on Fox 2 coverage