A battle of up-and-coming and nationally notable light heavyweights is set to highlight North American Fighting Championship "Colosseum" on May 4 as Strikforce's Joe Cason faces off against Ray Lopez.

The night's main event, which was confirmed to US Combat Sports reporter Paul Fladten by NAFC promoter Duke Roufus, will feature two of the most promising 205-pound competitors currently competing upon the local circuit.

Cason, who is still under contract by Strikeforce, has received permission to compete outside of the organization and will do so in the hometown of his Roufusport camp much like Dan Downes did before making the transition from the WEC to the UFC.

Hailing from Iowa, Cason (8-1) is one of the many prospects from the Hawkeye State that has made the move to Milwaukee to train under Roufus and company. After beginning his career with eight-straight first round stoppages, the former college football player recently suffered his first loss at the hands of Ovince St. Preux back in July of last year.

Standing in the way of Cason's return to glory is the ProElite and King of the Cage veteran Lopez. With an impressive record of 7-2, the 24-year-old may be best known for his matchup against former UFC heavyweight champion Andrei Arlovski back in August of last year and a recent defeat of UFC veteran Chris Price earlier this month.

Since turning pro in October of 2009, where he defeated Wisconsin light heavyweight contender Caleb Nelson, Lopez has demonstrated a dominant submission attack and overall well-rounded game.

The battle between rising prospects Lopez and Cason adds another exciting matchup to the NAFC "Colosseum" card that also features the flyweight debut of Sergio "The Phenom" Pettis against Chris Haney.