‘Snowman’ Meets Lopez in April 1 Fight Time Headliner

Monson and Lopez will vie for the vacant International Sport Karate Association heavyweight MMA title at War Memorial Auditorium in Fort Lauderdale, Fla. Although Monson is reportedly eying a drop to light heavyweight in the near future, “The Snowman” asserts that he is not overlooking his impending opponent.

“I’m excited about this upcoming title fight. Tony is a difficult opponent and will be tough to beat, but I’ve been keeping my training up in preparation for him,” Monson stated in a release. “My management team and I have been exploring options for my career and dropping to light heavyweight is top of the list. I’ve cut to [205 pounds] before and feel comfortable there, so I know I can dominate in the light heavyweight category.”

A product of Florida’s American Top Team -- where he is trained by Fight Time promoter and former Olympic boxing gold medalist Howard Davis, Jr. -- Monson rides a six-fight win streak into his showdown with Lopez. Since his departure from the UFC in 2006, the 40-year-old has competed under the banner of more than 20 different promotions.

After running off three-straight victories inside the Octagon, Monson challenged Tim Sylvia for the UFC heavyweight title and was defeated soundly, losing a unanimous decision to “The Maine-iac” in November 2006. A veteran of 51 pro MMA fights, Monson has submitted 26 of his defeated foes over the course of his 13-year career.

Lopez has fought for Bellator, World Extreme Cagefighting and EliteXC, among others, and has won four consecutive bouts. From 2007 to 2010, “Kryptonite” assembled an impressive 16-fight win streak. A six-year veteran of the sport, the Californian has finished all but three of his career victims since turning pro in 2005.