Oct 16, 2009 - 365 FIGHT MANAGEMENT FIGHTER RUDY BEARS TO HEADLINE STRIKEFORCE CHALLENGERS EVENT ON NOV 20

Kansas City, KS -- San Jose-based mixed martial arts promotion Strikeforce confirmed Thursday that its Nov. 20 "Strikeforce Challengers" event at the historic Memorial Hall in Kansas City, Kansas will be headlined by blue chip welterweight prospects Rudy Bears (13-5) and Tyron "T-Wood" Woodley (4-0).

Bears is a part of the initial class of prospects signed to the brand new 365 Fight Management agency and his headlining status comes on the heels of his recent signing with the new firm.

"I've been competing as a pro for several years now and this is the kind of opportunity I've been working towards," said Bears, a Kansas City native. "To be able to compete for Strikeforce in my own hometown is the type of opportunity that words can't describe. When 365 approached me, they said they could help elevate my career to the next level and their impact was immediate."

Bears' headlining shot will take place against Woodley, a former two-time NCAA Division I All-American wrestler who has emerged as a much heralded MMA prospect over the past year. But for Bears, testing himself against top competition is nothing new.

"I've never sought easy fights," Bears remarked. "I've always asked for the best competition available and in recent months had been seeking bigger challenges. Tyron represents the challenge I've been looking for. I am grateful to both him and Strikeforce for granting me this opportunity."

365 Fight Management co-founder Joe Kelly has promoted shows in the Kansas City region for years and has witnessed Bears succeed on the Midwest regional scene first-hand.

"Tyron has garnered a lot of press in recent months and deserves every bit of it," said Kelly. "However, people should not overlook Rudy. Woodley is a blue chip prospect but Rudy is just as strong of a prospect. This is a tremendous matchup and the fans attending live and those watching at home on SHOWTIME are going to be treated to a great fight."

Prior to getting involved with competitive MMA, Bears, who holds a second-degree black belt in Chinese Kenpo, was an accomplished kickboxer. Soon after winning the ISKA regional light cruiserweight title, Bears crossed over into MMA and compiled a perfect 7-0 record as an amateur. At one point, Bears simultaneously held the ISCF's Regional, U.S., and World amateur MMA titles.

Bears made his professional MMA debut on July 28, 2007 and submitted his opponent in the first round courtesy of a rear naked choke. The current C3 Fights welterweight champion, Bears has not been defeated in his last six bouts with his most recent win having taken place during the undercard of HDNet and M-1 Global's "Breakthrough" event on Aug. 28. Facing WEC veteran Brendan Seguin, Bears recorded a second round TKO in a bout that was streamed live on Sherdog.com.

Bears also is an instructor at Caveman Crew Mixed Martial Arts at 63rd and Blueridge Blvd. in Raytown, Missouri. Away from the cage, he is a full-time Maintenance Technician at AZ Automation in Lenexa, KS. The 30-year old Bears has been married for four years and is the father of four -- six-year old Autumn, four-year old Lillian, two-year old Mauricio, and 4-month old Marcus.