Melvin Manhoef is set to take Cung Le’s place in Strikeforce’s middleweight tournament which is believed to be in the works for later this year.

Former Strikeforce middleweight champion Cung Le has indicated that he’s not going to be a part of the rumored 185lb tournament.

Despite Scott Smith’s manager’s belief that a rubber match would occur if he lost, Cung Le is instead ear-marked for Strikeforce’s middleweight tournament.

Cung le says he’s learned from his first loss and can’t wait to get back in the cage and fight Scott Smith again for Strikeforce this weekend.

Check out our preview and predictions for the main card of Saturday night’s Strikeforce Evolution event.

Watch Cung Le working on his strikes using both the double end bag, and the pads in preperation for his fight at Strikeforce: Evolution.

Watch Frank Shamrock, Cung Le and Josh Thomson answering questions about Saturday’s Strikeforce Evolution card at the pre-fight open workout.

Watch Cung Le’s moves being motion captured for the new EA Sports MMA game which is due for release in 2010.

After a successful debut on CBS with there Fedor Vs Rogers event, Strikeforce head back to Showtime for there next event, Strikeforce: Evolution on December 19th.

Last night Cung Le announced on the Strikeforce Challenger card that he will be returning to the cage on December 19th to fight Scott Smith at Strikeforce: Evolution.