On today's Strikeforce: Tate vs. Rousey conference call, Scott Coker announced that Derek Brunson did not pass his medicals and thus has been removed from his scheduled bout with Ronaldo Souza. Coker did not give any details beyond saying that it was "not severe" and he "couldn't get into it."

The search is on for a new opponent for Jacare, but it's going to be interesting to see if the promotion can land anyone up to Souza's level with only a little more than a week's notice.

For Brunson, this is a disappointing setback. He had upped his professional record to 9-0 with a one sided (but lackluster) decision win over Nate James at Strikeforce Challengers 20. Despite having some technical flaws in his striking, he still has a lot of upside and many expect big things.

Then again, maybe it's not all that disappointing for Brunson fans given that he would have entered the cage as a significant underdog for the bout.

EDIT: Brunson has Tweeted the reason for the failed medical.

Ok here's the deal ... I've been fighting with contacts for 11 fights (9pro,2ams) never was an issue.Ohio won't pass my eye exam.

SBN coverage of Strikeforce: Tate vs. Rousey