Finney Off Dec. 4 Strikeforce Card; Woodley Possible

Jesse Finney won't be fighting in his home state on Dec. 4., but Tyron Woodley might.

Sherdog.com today confirmed with Strikeforce officials that Finney has been scratched from the card for “Henderson vs. Babalu II” -- which will take place at the Scottrade Center in St. Louis, Mo. -- after suffering an eye injury which will require surgery. Details regarding the injury are not known at this time, but Finney will reportedly return to training after the new year.

Sherdog also learned Wednesday that Woodley has been approached about fighting at the event. Strikeforce has reportedly shown interest in the undefeated welterweight prospect joining the card, contacting the American Top Team Missouri fighter to find out if he was in shape to compete. Though Woodley's participation is a possibility, his involvement has not been officially announced by the promotion.

Woodley’s last appearance in the cage resulted in a dominant first-round stoppage against Andre Galvao at Strikeforce “Diaz vs. Noons II” on Oct. 9. The 28-year-old is 5-0 in Strikeforce competition and holds five of his seven career victories by submission. A former University of Missouri wrestler, Woodley has been an active competitor since making his pro debut in February 2009.

A St. Louis native, Finney has never strayed from the state of Missouri during his fighting career. The owner of his own gym, Finney’s MMA, the welterweight started his career a perfect 6-0 before running into UFC veteran Josh Neer this August. Prior to that submission defeat, Finney had finished each of his opponents. Finney made his Strikeforce debut in June 2009, defeating Josh Bumgarner with a keylock at “Lawler vs. Shields.” Nearly a year later, he made his second appearance in the Strikeforce cage, submitting Justin DeMoney with a guillotine choke at “Heavy Artillery” in May.

Finney was initially slated to meet Scott Smith on Dec. 4, but Finney was pulled from the match after Strikeforce signed Paul Daley. No replacement opponent for Finney was ever announced.