Buentello-Abbott, Ludwig-Thomson Official

FRESNO, Calif., Oct. 6 - When it was announced that heavyweights Paul Buentello (Pictures) and David "Tank" Abbott would square off in the main event of Strikeforce's card on October 7 at the Save Mart Center, most people would have laid odds that it would be Abbott who stepped off the scales the heavier fighter.

But that was not the case Friday evening at the World Sports Cafe. Standing in the shadows of the crowded restaurant, Buentello came in a hefty 261 pounds, some 20 pounds over his best fighting weight. Abbott still displayed a noticeable midsection, but appeared lean in the face and ready to slug it out for the first time in front of this Central California city's fans.

"I'm glad he came in shape," said Buentello. "I don't want to be known as beating 'Tank' if he's out of shape. I want to fight the best 'Tank' out there. So it's good for the show and it's good for me."

Abbott said in interviews he knew nothing about Buentello, a former challenger to the UFC heavyweight crown. And standing in front of him today, Abbott still was dismissive of the American Kickboxing Academy-trained heavyweight.

"I don't really care as long as long as I'm in shape, and I'm in shape," Abbott insisted. "So that says it all right there."

"I feel really comfortable," Buentello said. "Just the other day I forgot I was fighting this weekend. But I feel really, really good and ready to do what I do best."

The 10-bout card's chief support fight saw lightweights Josh Thomson (Pictures) and Duane Ludwig (Pictures) step on the scale at the division's limit of 155 pounds.

After having both their opponents fall off the bill, Trevor Prangley (Pictures) and Anthony Ruiz (Pictures) will meet in the cage. Despite originally signing to fight at middleweight, Prangley (203 pounds) is just one pound lighter than the light heavyweight Ruiz (204).

Former Fresno State Bulldog wrestler Casey Olson (Pictures) (155 pounds) looked ready to fight in the building that sits on the FSU campus. He faces Bobby Sanchez, who came in five pounds under the lightweight limit.

While every fighter who stepped on the scale made weight in his first attempt, Philip Perez (Pictures)' opponent, Brandon Shuey (Pictures), was not here to weigh-in. He is scheduled to step on the scale Saturday.

Complete Weights:
Paul Buentello (Pictures) (261) vs. David "Tank" Abbott (251)
Josh Thomson (Pictures) (155) vs. Duane Ludwig (Pictures) (155)
Trevor Prangley (Pictures) (203) vs. Anthony Ruiz (Pictures) (204)
Casey Olson (Pictures) (155) vs. Bobby Sanchez (150)
Jason Von Flue (Pictures) (168) vs. Eric Wray (170)
Carlton Jones (Pictures) (233) vs. Mike Cook (240)
Frank Magallon (175) vs. Sam Spengler (Pictures) (184)
Cain Velasquez (234) vs. Jesse Fujarczyk (Pictures) (227)
Jeremiah Metcalf (Pictures) (178) vs. Luke Stewart (Pictures) (181)
Philip Perez (Pictures) (150) vs. Brandon Shuey (Pictures) (Did not weigh in)