UFC veteran Shonie Carter has been forced to withdraw from his Strikeforce “Melendez vs. Thomson” bout against Luke Stewart after sustaining a knuckle injury, according to Sherdog.com. Replacing Carter will be UFC veteran Joe Riggs.

Here’s a snip from the report:

Extroverted welterweight Shonie Carter has withdrawn from a co-featured bout against Luke Stewart at Strikeforce “Melendez vs. Thomson” on June 27 at the HP Pavilion in San Jose, Calif.

Strikeforce middleweight Joe Riggs has agreed to step into the vacant slot on a week’s notice. The bout will be contested at a catch-weight of 178 pounds, confirmed Strikeforce representative Mike Afromowitz.

Carter told Sherdog.com that he shattered a knuckle in his hand while training and was fearful he wouldn’t pass the California State Athletic Commission’s physical examination next week to proceed with the bout.

In other Strikeforce news, MMAJunkie.com is reporting that Elaina Maxwell will face Miesha Tatein in a female bout at the June 27th event.

For the latest Strikeforce rumors check out the MMAFrenzy.com rumors section.

Tags: Joe Riggs, Shonie Carter