Riggs steps in for Carter at Strikeforce

Ultimate Fighting Championship veteran Shonie Carter has had to withdraw from his scheduled bout with rising Strikeforce talent Luke Stewart, according to a report on Sherdog.com. The two were expected to meet as part of the Melendez vs. Thomson event at the HP Pavilion in San Jose, Calif.

Carter apparently injured his hand in training and was unsure if he would be able to meet the medical requirements of the California State Athletic Commission.

Stepping in to take his place is fellow UFC veteran Joe Riggs. Riggs is 2-1 since leaving the UFC in late 2006. He has struggled recently, losing his last bout, due to a back injury. The injury required surgery and has kept him out of action for the past four months.

The main bouts on the fight card are scheduled to be show live on HDNet.

-Gilbert Melendez vs. Josh Thomson -Bobby Southworth vs. Anthony Ruiz -Elaina Maxwell vs. Meisha Tate -Luke Stewart vs. Joe Riggs -Nam Phan vs. Billy Evangelista -Bobby Stack vs. Jose Palacios -Jeremiah Metcalf vs. Raymond Daniels -Cyrillo Padhillo vs. Jesse Jones -Alexander Trivino vs. Genaro Strangis -Jesse Gillespie vs. Davis Martin -Josh Neal vs. Travis Johnson -Chris Cariaso vs. Anthony Figueroa -Eric Lawson vs. TBA -Alvin Cacdac vs. TBA