Strikeforce appears set to hold their first event outside of the United States on July 17th in Australia as the Brazilian website Tatame.com has reported that Geronimo "Mondragon" Dos Santos has signed a contract to face off against former UFC Heavyweight Champion and currently disgraced Heavyweight star Josh Barnett, who will be making his Strikeforce debut.

Here's what Dos Santos had to say about the match-up;

"I signed the contract today. I'm very happy with this news. He's experienced, his ground game is very good, compared to mine, so I'll try to keep this fight standing... I'll go for the knockout, I'm going to win this fight."

Dos Santos holds a career record of 17-8 and had an eight-fight winning streak that had many thinking he was bound for the UFC, but that streak was snapped when he submitted due to an abdominal injury against Edson Franca in February at a Jungle Fight event in Brazil.

Barnett last saw action at DREAM 13 in March where he defeated Siala "Mighty Mo" Siligia in a foul-filled bout that saw Barnett slap on a kimura to earn the victory midway through the first round. Prior to that fight, Barnett had been inactive since January of 2009 when he defeated Gilbert Yvel at Affliction's "Day of Reckoning" event.

Barnett was set to face Fedor Emelianenko at the third event and was days away from the bout before he tested positive for steroids and was denied a license by the California State Athletic Commission. Barnett has claimed innocence and attempted to appeal, but has missed four chances to have his case heard by the state up to this point.

During that time, commission officials have stated that it would be in Barnett's best interests for future licensing if he were to appear at the appeal dates, but he has not so far. Whether this could affect Strikeforce's plans for him fighting in the United States in the future remains to be seen, though more information could be coming with a rumored "big announcement" coming from Strikeforce later today.