Jim Miller not interested in a shot at the Strikeforce title
When Zuffa revealed Strikeforce lightweight king Gilbert Melendez would continue to compete under the embattled organization’s banner rather than bring his talents to the Octagon the question quickly turned to one of contendership. With no clear cut challengers in place the public’s speculation on the situation often involved the possibility of a top level UFC fighter switching over to Strikeforce... [Read More...]
Zuffa announces implementation of pre-contract screening for PED use
Beginning immediately, Zuffa has put in place a pre-signing screening for performance enhancing drugs that any and all incoming fighters will have to pass before they are signed. The news of this test comes as positive results have come back claiming fighters such as 145-pound champion Cristiane “Cyborg” Santos and former light heavyweight champ Muhammed “King Mo” Lawal have tested positive.... [Read More...]
Main event for March 3 Strikeforce event still undetermined
For the second year in a row, Strikeforce will return to the Nationwide Arena in Columbus, Ohio to run an event in conjunction with the annual Arnold Sports Festival. During last night’s broadcast of Strikeforce: Rockhold vs. Jardine, the organization officially confirmed four bouts for the card, including the previously rumored women’s bantamweight title fight between champion Miesha Tate... [Read More...]
Strikeforce-Showtime deal was contingent on keeping Melendez, Rockhold
More and more information continues to be released concerning the recent Strikeforce-Showtime extension that was worked out last week. Strikeforce recently held an event on the television network that featured Gilbert Melendez defending his Strikeforce lightweight title against Jorge Masvidal. Melendez, who seemed to be a lock to follow the likes of Dan Henderson and Jake Shields into the UFC, was... [Read More...]
Dissecting the new Strikeforce on Showtime deal
It was widely speculated that Strikeforce would fold following the purchasing of the organization by Zuffa and the conclusion of their Showtime deal, but rumors of their demise were greatly exaggerated. Strikeforce will be sticking around on Showtime and things will be “business as usual” moving forward. What does this mean for the world of MMA? Well, I’m glad I asked myself. PRO: More MMA. I’m... [Read More...]
Strikeforce/UFC Real Time Conference Call Highlights
Last week UFC President Dana White came out to say Strikeforce was sticking around for the foreseeable future after Zuffa came to terms with Showtime on a new deal, also adding some potentially exciting news regarding an investment in maintaining the company’s roster and even booking the occasional crossover fight featuring a UFC competitor. Now White, along with Strikeforce CEO Scott Coker and Showtime... [Read More...]
Gegard Mousasi mixing it up with Ovince St. Preux at December Strikeforce event
It looks like streaking light heavyweight Ovince St. Preux has finally gotten called up to the majors after winning five consecutive fights under the Strikeforce banner including a pair of opening round finishes. According to Strikeforce’s Twitter account, OSP is scheduled to scrap with former 205-pound champion Gegard Mousasi on December 17 at an event already headlined by lightweight title-holder... [Read More...]
Cris Santos re-signs with Strikeforce, expects to fight soon
She’s baaaaaaaaaaack! After more than a year on the sidelines due to contractual issues, Strikeforce female featherweight champ Cristiane “Cyborg” Santos has inked a new deal that will keep her under the promotion’s banner for at least a year and should have a date and opponent for her long overdue return to the ring in the coming weeks. Previously it was believed she would fight outside... [Read More...]
Josh Thomson injured, out of September 10 Strikeforce fight
More bad news for Josh Thomson. The often injured lightweight will once again be sitting on the sidelines, this time with a foot injury. Scheduled to fight Maximo Blanco at the September 10 Strikeforce event, Thomson has been forced to pull out of the fight with the injury, which was suffered while training for the bout. The injury is said to be, “a worst-case scenario” for Thomson. News... [Read More...]
Gina Carano targeted for December return to Strikeforce
We haven’t seen Gina Carano in MMA action since August 2009, but that may change this December. Strikeforce officials are hoping that Carano will be cleared to compete by the winter and are preparing for the return of “Conviction” for their December 17 event. News of Carano potential return was first reported by F4WOnline.com Considered by many to be the face of women’s MMA,... [Read More...]
Cavalcante vs. Romero and Kyle vs. de Lima added to September Strikeforce event
Two major light heavyweight fights have been added to the September 10 Strikeforce event. Former Strikeforce light heavyweight champion, Rafael Cavalancate, makes his return to action against the undefeated Yoel Romero. Also on the is a contest between top 205 contender Mike Kyle taking on the debuting Marcos Rogerio de Lima. Both fights will take place on the nights preliminary card. Strikeforce officials... [Read More...]
Alistair Overeem says Scott Coker promised him October date for Grand Prix
With the term “Golden Gate” referring to more than a historic bridge in San Francisco over the past week, it was only a matter of time before the publc heard from the man whose release from Strikeforce kicked off Zuffa’s professional separation from Holland’s Golden Glory gym – Alistair Overeem. The former Strikeforce heavyweight champ sat down with HDNet’s “Inside MMA” where he discussed... [Read More...]
Strikeforce severs ties with Fedor Emelianenko
“The Last Emperor” will need to find a new home to try and reclaim his throne. UFC president Dana White stated today that Strikeforce has released former PRIDE heavyweight champion Fedor Emelianenko from his contract, which had one fight remaining on it, following his third straight loss in the organization. As FiveOuncesOfPain.com reported weeks ago, the loser of this past weekend’s... [Read More...]
Scott Coker certain Cung Le’s next fight will come in Strikeforce
When Cung Le spoke about his future in fighting a week ago he made it clear his interest in a return to the ring was contingent on an opportunity in the UFC with a specific focus on the promotion’s November 19 stop in San Jose where the dynamic striker resides. However, according to Strikeforce CEO Scott Coker, the 39-year old’s plan of taking to the Octagon is little more than wishful thinking. “Cung... [Read More...]
The Future of Strikeforce and the Elephant in the Room
In a way, I almost feel sorry for Miesha Tate. Here’s a woman who won her opportunity to compete for a title almost a year ago, only to have it given to someone else after she was sidelined with an injury. After nearly a year away from the cage Miesha returned and gave an outstanding performance to win the Strikeforce Women’s Bantamweight Championship. There can be little doubt that this will be... [Read More...]
Strikeforce terminates Alistair Overeem’s contract with one fight remaining
Shockwaves were sent through the MMA world this evening when it was revealed the owner of Strikeforce’s much-maligned heavyweight championship, Alistair Overeem, had been dropped from the promotion with one fight remaining on his contract. The jaw-dropping news came via a report on HDNet’s “Inside MMA” where injuries were cited as the reason for his release with a reference also made in regards... [Read More...]
Scott Coker lays out future plans including Emelianenko vs. Henderson, handling of preliminary fights, and more
After months of speculation a bout between heavyweight icon Fedor Emelianenko and Strikeforce 205-pound champion Dan Henderson has finally been made official, as Scott Coker not only revealed the match-up at a meeting with media today but also confirmed the pairing would take place on July 30 at the Sears Center in Chicago, be held at heavyweight, and will air on Showtime rather than PPV as had been... [Read More...]
Strikeforce looking at Vegas debut this summer
In a continuing effort to make the term “business as usual” a joke’s punchline, it appears Zuffa officials are eying Las Vegas for a Strikeforce Challengers event on July 22 at The Pearl, a familiar venue for MMA fans recalling the numerous UFC/WEC events held in the same space. Assuming things proceed as planned it will mark Strikeforce’s debut in Sin City and will likely be the first... [Read More...]
Strikeforce inks Maximo Blanco to multi-fight deal
Fans wondering whether or not Strikeforce would still seek to sign high-level free agents with Zuffa ownership in place received their answer earlier today when it was revealed the organization had come to terms with former King of Pancrase and SRC veteran Maximo Blanco on a multi-fight deal. New of the 8-2-1 Blanco’s signing was first reported by Sherdog though no date or opponent for his North... [Read More...]
Justin Wilcox returning to the ring in June against J.Z. Cavalcante
It appears American Kickboxing Academy powerhouse Justin Wilcox will have to win at least one more bout before solidifying his shot at Strikeforce lightweight champ Gilbert Melendez and will instead receive his stiffest challenge to date in the form of J.Z. Cavalcante. “The Silverback” will be looking for his seventh straight win when he locks horns with his Brazilian opponent and is considered... [Read More...]
