Strikeforce Signs Fedor To Multi-Fight Deal, M-1 To Co-Promote

[snakerattle79]

[Only registered and activated users can see links]

After last week's negotiations with the UFC failed due to co-promoting demands, Fedor Emelianenko has instead signed a multi-fight deal with the UFC's biggest competitor, Strikeforce.

The organization today announced it has signed Emelianenko (30-1) to a multi-fight deal that will have him fight under the Strikeforce banner in events co-headlined M-1 Global. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed.

No specific date has been determined for his first Strikeforce fight, but Emelianenko will make his promotional debut this fall on Showtime, according to today's announcement.

"I am looking forward to going back to work and fighting at the highest level," Emelianenko stated. "Strikeforce is a top fight promotion that houses some of the greatest fighters in the world. I am prepared to fight any of them."

Emelianeko hit the open market last month when Affliction Entertainment canceled its Aug. 1 "Trilogy" event after Emelianenko's main-event opponent, Josh Barnett, was denied a license because of a failed drug test due to an anabolic steroid. Affliction then announced it had ceased all promotional operations and would return to the UFC as an official sponsor.

UFC president Dana White last week suggested he gave his best effort to signing the Russian fighter, who had negotiated with the organization multiple times in the past, but that ultimately even offering Emelianenko "the most amazing deal" wasn't enough.

As Emelianenko's manager, M-1 Global co-owner and president Vadim Finkelchtein, suggested during a July 29 press conference, the UFC's refusal to co-promote shows with M-1 was likely the negotiations' biggest hurdle.

"How are they going to help us co-promote?" White said. "They're going to help us? That [expletive] might work in Russia (but) not here."

Strikeforce, though, which has previously co-promoted with organizations such as EliteXC and BodogFIGHT, is willing to work with M-1.

"We are extremely excited to have the opportunity to work with M-1 Global and Fedor," Strikeforce CEO Scott Coker stated. "Fedor has been the reigning king of MMA's heavyweight division for quite some time now so being able to work with M-1 and Fedor will substantially increase the level of competition amongst the athletes in this weight class."

Strikeforce, one of the few financially successful promotions outside of the UFC, launched its MMA division in 2006 and has grown the company substantially with a highlights show on NBC and live events on Showtime and HDNet. The San Jose, Calif.-based organization is also believed to be close to signing a deal with CBS, the former home of the now-defunct EliteXC promotion, that would put its live shows on major U.S. network television for the first time.

Emelianenko, a longtime PRIDE champion who's widely regarded as the sport's No. 1 ranked heavyweight, currently owns a 24-fight win streak. He becomes an immediate challenger in Strikeforce's heavyweight division, which currently boasts Alistair Overeem as its champion. However, Overeem hasn't fought since winning the title in November 2007 and was recently scratched from an Aug. 15 title with Fabricio Werdum because of a hand injury.

[scurlaruntings]

Fucking yeah!!! C'mon Strikeforce!!!!!!!!!! wooot wooooot!!!

[rydersonthestorm]

Tbf they need to find some better heavyweights for fedor to fight, once he beats overeem and rogers they need more guys.

[The Mighty One]

Go Strikeforce!! Congratulations to Scott Coker.

[boxingcar]

Right now..they only have 3 options for him

1 - Brett Rogers
2 - Overeem
3 - Werdum

[rydersonthestorm]

Right now..they only have 3 options for him

1 - Brett Rogers
2 - Overeem
3 - Werdum
I think overeem is a decent option.

[Mordechai]

yeah and fedor has to fight 3 fights for m1 and than his contract is finished;) so in september the first fight, new years eve the second and next year in june the third. after that he is going to ufc. i hope so^^

[Beebs]

Well hopefully Overeem can stay healthy and not test
positive for drugs. Werdum is an interesting opponent, more than Overeem IMO.

Let's hope Strikeforce doesn't end up like former M1 partners bodog and Affliction.

[AJAX]

I think overeem is a decent option.

Decent...if he fought Overeem under the UFC banner some of you guys would be going crazy. But Strikeforce at least has a few HW's for him to fight.

[rydersonthestorm]

Decent...if he fought Overeem under the UFC banner some of you guys would be going crazy. But Strikeforce at least has a few HW's for him to fight.
Not exactly true after barnett and lesnar overeem is as good a choice as anyone.

[AJAX]

Not exactly true after barnett and lesnar overeem is as good a choice as anyone.

Well, I'm glad he's with Strikeforce if he couldn't come to the UFC. i just hope Finkel doesn't rape them and leave them for dead. Coker's no fool but I hope he realizes the money put out for Fedor doesn't guarantee mean a huge return.

[rydersonthestorm]

Well, I'm glad he's with Strikeforce if he couldn't come to the UFC. i just hope Finkel doesn't rape them and leave them for dead. Coker's no fool but I hope he realizes the money put out for Fedor doesn't guarantee mean a huge return.
Tbf if they can get a tv deal with cbs fedor could be the best thing that ever happened to strikeforce.

[AJAX]

Tbf if they can get a tv deal with cbs fedor could be the best thing that ever happened to strikeforce.

that all depends on the deal, Elite XC had a deal also it actually helped kill them. The UFC has had chances for deals but turned them down because the numbers didn't make sense. For the money put out to get Fedor and having Finkel's hands in the pot they need a good return, ppv would be risky because they really would have to put their eggs in 1 basket and try to promote Fedor vs Overeem and most casual fans still don't know Fedor let alone overeem.

[codeman99998]

Fucking yeah!!! C'mon Strikeforce!!!!!!!!!! wooot wooooot!!!
:roll: Yay... now Fedor can fight mediocre competition! Let's all celebrate!

[AJAX]

Scurs suicide watch is official over....for now

[liger05]

Good news. He can fight Barnett on NYE in Japan.

[ufoalf]

It's the beginning of an end for Strikeforce :lol:.

[AJAX]

Good news. He can fight Barnett on NYE in Japan.

You must have missed the part where it says "STRIKEFORCE"

[AJAX]

It's the beginning of an end for Strikeforce :lol:.

It seems Coker is all in.

[rydersonthestorm]

You must have missed the part where it says "STRIKEFORCE"
Is the deal fully exclusive though.

[liger05]

You must have missed the part where it says "STRIKEFORCE"

Is he locked in exclusive?

[AJAX]

It sounds like it, why would Coker sign him to a deal then let him fight on NYE...Fedor said he wanted to fight by fall so I doubt he would fight that soon. And after the roid test would Fedo even want to fight Barnett doesn't deserve a shot, not to mention in Japan he will be juiced up for sure.

[Rico Spadafora]

Supposedly the GUARANTEED money was the same from Strikeforce as UFC was offering.

M-1 is co promoting

CBS deal almost in place (rumor was all CBS was waiting on was confirmation of Fedor becoming a Strikeforce fighter)

Non exclusive contract.

Good move for Fedor as the UFC either was not willing or could not offer options 2-4.

[rydersonthestorm]

Supposedly the GUARANTEED money was the same from Strikeforce as UFC was offering.

M-1 is co promoting

CBS deal almost in place (rumor was all CBS was waiting on was confirmation of Fedor becoming a Strikeforce fighter)

Non exclusive contract.

Good move for Fedor as the UFC either was not willing or could not offer options 2-4.
yeah thats better than the ufc deal imo

[OuterDrake]

Well hopefully Overeem can stay healthy and not test
positive for drugs. Werdum is an interesting opponent, more than Overeem IMO.

Let's hope Strikeforce doesn't end up like former M1 partners bodog and Affliction.


Always clinging to that bjj nutsack

[liger05]

It sounds like it, why would Coker sign him to a deal then let him fight on NYE...Fedor said he wanted to fight by fall so I doubt he would fight that soon. And after the roid test would Fedo even want to fight Barnett doesn't deserve a shot, not to mention in Japan he will be juiced up for sure.

Cos Dream is not a direct competitor to Strikeforce. Fedor fighting in Japan wouldnt effect strikeforce.

Fedor would fight Barnett if the money was good. I dont think Fedor really gives a damn about a failed drug test.

Scott Coker needs to get speaking with K-1 & Dream about co-promoting. Get Japanese talent pronto. Let K-1 have Fedor v Barnett on NYE and get some Japanese guys coming the over way.

[rekcutnevets]

I hate that it makes a mega fight with Lesnar even more improbable, but Strikeforce can still match him with a few top notch names. Rogers, Overeem, and Monson are just a viable as any UFC challengers are. Barnett may still be an option. One of the articles a poster on this forum provided a link for suggested that Barnett's failure to get a license may do less harm than having a license revoked. Barnett may be able to reapply, and get accepted in California or possibly another state.

[Beebs]

Always clinging to that bjj nutsack

Grappling in general, not just BJJ :lol:

Better than the Mediocre Kickboxer with no ground game ballbag.:bbb

[ryanty22]

i hope strikeforce didnt sign their life away for one fighter. competition is good and i am glad for strikeforce, now maybe they can have a heavyweight title fight more than once every two years. now is the next big heavy to go to a big promotion gonna be bobby lashley? who else is out there either fighting for a small, nothing org or a free agent?

[ryanty22]

Grappling in general, not just BJJ :lol:

Better than the Mediocre Kickboxer with no ground game ballbag.:bbb

co-sign on that shit. amen bro :deal :good

[rydersonthestorm]

Grappling in general, not just BJJ :lol:

Better than the Mediocre Kickboxer with no ground game ballbag.:bbb
Pretty sure beating badir hari makes you more than a mediocre kickboxer, he also had a very close fight with bonjasky.;)

[Beebs]

Scott Coker needs to get speaking with K-1 & Dream about co-promoting. Get Japanese talent pronto. Let K-1 have Fedor v Barnett on NYE and get some Japanese guys coming the over way.

Those could all be positive things, but keep this in mind, right now Strikeforce is one of the few MMA orgs making money.

Strikeforce is profitable because they know their limits, they don't try to compete with the UFC, they do a lot locally, they stay within themselves, they don't do what EliteXC tried to do. Ring of Fire, MFC, and others do the same thing; stay local, stay profitable, stay in business.

So hopefully they realize this, Coker is a smart guy and I'm sure he does, I just don't want to see Strikeforce go the way of the orgs that tried to get too big for their market: EliteXC, Bodog, IFL, and WFA.

[Beebs]

Pretty sure beating badir hari makes you more than a mediocre kickboxer, he also had a very close fight with bonjasky.;)

Was talking about his hero, Kongo.

Yes, Alistair is far from mediocre, to say the least.

Still think Werdum is at least as interesting. A match between the two would also be interesting.

[rydersonthestorm]

Was talking about his hero, Kongo.

Yes, Alistair is far from mediocre, to say the least.

Still think Werdum is at least as interesting. A match between the two would also be interesting.
Fair enough was abit shocked when i thought you meant overeem :lol:

[cdnboxing]

Werdum, Overeem, Monson and then Rogers are the best options for Fedor outside the UFC.

Dana's reaction to this is going to be priceless.

[LB3000]

Dana's reaction to this is going to be priceless.

From Yahoo:
"I'm in Abu Dhabi right now and my reaction is Fedor is a [expletive] joke," White told Cagewriter saying he was unavailable for Monday interview on ESPNRadio1100. "[He] turns down a huge deal and the opportunity to face the best in the world to fight nobodies, for no money. Fedor is a [expletive]."

[Stoo]

From Yahoo:
"I'm in Abu Dhabi right now and my reaction is Fedor is a [expletive] joke," White told Cagewriter saying he was unavailable for Monday interview on ESPNRadio1100. "[He] turns down a huge deal and the opportunity to face the best in the world to fight nobodies, for no money. Fedor is a [expletive]."
'
I think he took the news quite well :lol:

[AJAX]

Finkel's going to ass rape Coker and leave Strikeforce in shambles. If it goes to ppv how many people are going to shell out cash to have him fight Overeem or Werdum.? If it's on free tv they will most certainly not make enough to cover the cost of having Fedor and Finkel. But I'm sure Coker knows what he's doing.

[thejokerswild]

Another fight another win. Shame the UFC deal didn't go through but atleast he isn't supporting the evil empire.

[codeman99998]

Does anyone know the details of the strikeforce deal? Is it a three fight or an open deal? If so, it is POSSIBLE Fedor is just waiting for his m1 contract to expire before he goes to the UFC.

[AJAX]

I doubt he is waiting for it to expire, especially if he has a 20% stake in it that was reported before.

[rydersonthestorm]

One thing nonobdy seems to mention is that not all the top 10 heavyweight fighters are in the uf so why would he be fighting the best if he moved to the ufc, if he has a non exclusive contract than surely he has more option to fight the best.

[LB3000]

Someone on here posted a video interview on a here a few days ago which Vadim did. In the interview he said Fedor never had a contract with Affliction, the contract was a Affliction/M-1 deal. I wouldn't be surprised if this is simliar to the deal with Strikeforce, so I doubt it will be exclusive deal. Depending on when his next fight is and he stays injury free, i'm sure there is a good chance we will see him fight in Japan on NYE.

[Beebs]

Does anyone know the details of the strikeforce deal? Is it a three fight or an open deal? If so, it is POSSIBLE Fedor is just waiting for his m1 contract to expire before he goes to the UFC.

Contracts can be bought, sold, terminated mutually, or terminated by one side for a specific reason.

I don't think it does, but his strikeforce contract could have easily replaced his m1 contract through 100 differen ways if that was what was wanted and negotiated.

[Tuffnutz]

Werdum, Overeem, Monson and then Rogers are the best options for Fedor outside the UFC.


And most people would rather see him fight Lesnar and take the UFC eavyweight title over any of those guy's.

I know I would.

I'd also rather see him fight Machida and Silva over any of those guy's.

They are all in the UFC. :-(

[rydersonthestorm]

And most people would rather see him fight Lesnar and take the UFC eavyweight title over any of those guy's.

I know I would.

I'd also rather see him fight Machida and Silva over any of those guy's.

They are all in the UFC. :-(
You must have missed alot of the thread, obviously barnett and lesnar are the top two fights but a fight with silva is laughable

[WiDDoW_MaKeR]

So we should expect to see Fedor vs Nick Diaz any day now. Wow... awesome.

[chimba]

I just want to see Fedor fight.. albeit all mismatches.

One thing is clear, Fedor better not lose.

This is one of the few cases in sport where a legacy can be wiped out completely with 1 loss.

All because M1 who?? wanted to co-promote.

[WiDDoW_MaKeR]

Signing Fedor and M-1 Global seems to be a deathwish for these orgs.

[Bill Butcher]

[Only registered and activated users can see links]

After last week's negotiations with the UFC failed due to co-promoting demands, Fedor Emelianenko has instead signed a multi-fight deal with the UFC's biggest competitor, Strikeforce.

The organization today announced it has signed Emelianenko (30-1) to a multi-fight deal that will have him fight under the Strikeforce banner in events co-headlined M-1 Global. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed.

No specific date has been determined for his first Strikeforce fight, but Emelianenko will make his promotional debut this fall on Showtime, according to today's announcement.

"I am looking forward to going back to work and fighting at the highest level," Emelianenko stated. "Strikeforce is a top fight promotion that houses some of the greatest fighters in the world. I am prepared to fight any of them."

Emelianeko hit the open market last month when Affliction Entertainment canceled its Aug. 1 "Trilogy" event after Emelianenko's main-event opponent, Josh Barnett, was denied a license because of a failed drug test due to an anabolic steroid. Affliction then announced it had ceased all promotional operations and would return to the UFC as an official sponsor.

UFC president Dana White last week suggested he gave his best effort to signing the Russian fighter, who had negotiated with the organization multiple times in the past, but that ultimately even offering Emelianenko "the most amazing deal" wasn't enough.

As Emelianenko's manager, M-1 Global co-owner and president Vadim Finkelchtein, suggested during a July 29 press conference, the UFC's refusal to co-promote shows with M-1 was likely the negotiations' biggest hurdle.

"How are they going to help us co-promote?" White said. "They're going to help us? That [expletive] might work in Russia (but) not here."

Strikeforce, though, which has previously co-promoted with organizations such as EliteXC and BodogFIGHT, is willing to work with M-1.

"We are extremely excited to have the opportunity to work with M-1 Global and Fedor," Strikeforce CEO Scott Coker stated. "Fedor has been the reigning king of MMA's heavyweight division for quite some time now so being able to work with M-1 and Fedor will substantially increase the level of competition amongst the athletes in this weight class."

Strikeforce, one of the few financially successful promotions outside of the UFC, launched its MMA division in 2006 and has grown the company substantially with a highlights show on NBC and live events on Showtime and HDNet. The San Jose, Calif.-based organization is also believed to be close to signing a deal with CBS, the former home of the now-defunct EliteXC promotion, that would put its live shows on major U.S. network television for the first time.

Emelianenko, a longtime PRIDE champion who's widely regarded as the sport's No. 1 ranked heavyweight, currently owns a 24-fight win streak. He becomes an immediate challenger in Strikeforce's heavyweight division, which currently boasts Alistair Overeem as its champion. However, Overeem hasn't fought since winning the title in November 2007 and was recently scratched from an Aug. 15 title with Fabricio Werdum because of a hand injury.

This is very sad news, I always kept high hopes that Fedor would fight in the UFC, a Fedor-Lesnar fight is the fight I want to see the most, as usual, the fans lose out :-(

[Tuffnutz]

You must have missed alot of the thread, obviously barnett and lesnar are the top two fights but a fight with silva is laughable

Barnett fucked it all up and a fight with Silva is not laughable at all.

Silva is top 3 P4P and the best striker in the sport.

He brings a lot of things to the fight that Fedor has never faced before.

Fedor himself said that he'd rather fight the biggers guy's and has problems with the smaller and faster guy's.

A Fedor vs Silva fight is VERY interesting.

You're also focusing too much on weight when in fact Silva is taller than Fedor and probabaly has a bigger reach too.

[rydersonthestorm]

Barnett fucked it all up and a fight with Silva is not laughable at all.

Silva is top 3 P4P and the best striker in the sport.

He brings a lot of things to the fight that Fedor has never faced before.

Fedor himself said that he'd rather fight the biggers guy's and has problems with the smaller and faster guy's.

A Fedor vs Silva fight is VERY interesting.

You're also focusing too much on weight when in fact Silva is taller than Fedor and probabaly has a bigger reach too.
Nobody wants to see silva was fedor unless anderson does somethin major above 185, also in terms of striking i would say a few of fedors opponents have striking close to silva and fedor dealt with that well enough.
Also a barnett vs fedor fight is quite likely nye japan.

[Tuffnutz]

So we should expect to see Fedor vs Nick Diaz any day now. Wow... awesome.

Diaz would probably do better than some of these shitty heavies. :lol:

I suppose I would'nt mind seeing Fedor fight Roger's, and Overeem has had some intersting fight's since he's put some weight on. He looked like he had the beating of Cro Cop and detroyed Badr Hari in K-1. He looks liek a different fighter. I've no idea how he ever made 205.

I still want to see him fight Barnett too of course.

As for the likes of Monson and Werdum. :lol: Nah, I could'nt give a feck about Fedor fighting them.

If I could pick Fedor's next 5 fight's they would be Barnett, Lesnar, Machida, Silva and Rampage.

[Tuffnutz]

Nobody wants to see silva was fedor unless anderson does somethin major above 185, also in terms of striking i would say a few of fedors opponents have striking close to silva and fedor dealt with that well enough.
Also a barnett vs fedor fight is quite likely nye japan.

Anderson will do something above 185. ;)

I would evenb go with Anderson against Machida.

Machida is the only guy at 205 who could beat him.

And no, not even Cro Cop has MMA based striking as good as Silva IMO.

I dont know the other's guys you are talking about.

Anderson is the best striker in MMA history. :good

[rydersonthestorm]

Anderson will do something above 185. ;)

I would evenb go with Anderson against Machida.

Machida is the only guy at 205 who could beat him.

And no, not even Cro Cop has MMA based striking as good as Silva IMO.

I dont know the other's guys you are talking about.

Anderson is the best striker in MMA history. :good
He is well of fighting fedor yet lets be realistic on that, silva also wants to fight roy jones so a fedor fight would probably never come anyway.
Cro cop is also a heavyweight and has alot more power than silva so that counter acts the slight edge in skill imo, also although AA doesn't have a good chin his hands are one of the best by mma standards.

[Tuffnutz]

He is well of fighting fedor yet lets be realistic on that, silva also wants to fight roy jones so a fedor fight would probably never come anyway.
Cro cop is also a heavyweight and has alot more power than silva so that counter acts the slight edge in skill imo, also although AA doesn't have a good chin his hands are one of the best by mma standards.

Well, I may aswell STFU because I'm not going to get any of the fight's I want to see anyway by the looks of thing's.

I'm calling for all these match ups with Fedor fighting in the UFC and even fighting 205lbers but they will never happen. :|

[thebrodstar]

Right now..they only have 3 options for him

1 - Brett Rogers
2 - Overeem
3 - Werdum

That would fulfill his contract right there I believe.

[Rattler]

The big question is what will the UFC do in response to this?

Nick Diaz... Jake Shields... Brett Rogers... when they're contracts are done, will the UFC take away the fighters that Strikeforce has worked to build up?

[jimmie]

Im not upset about this quite honestly. I know everyone wanted Fedor in the UFC but obviously he isnt going so lets accept what we have here right now. Alistair Overeem is a damn good opponet hes top 10 in the world, well rounded and happens to be the Strikeforce Champion. Then you got Brett Rodgers whos ranked like 7th and is undefeated coming off a great win over Arlovski and theres Werdum whos beat down Gonzaga twice,Vera,he beat Overeem and even choked out Fedors brother. Werdum is fighting Mike Kyle next as long as he can get it to the ground he will grapplefuck Kyle pretty quickly. I guess Fedor will fight Overeem in the fall not sure what Rodgers does in the meantime.

[Beebs]

Its clearly the second best option, could end up well.

[cdnboxing]

Im not upset about this quite honestly. I know everyone wanted Fedor in the UFC but obviously he isnt going so lets accept what we have here right now. Alistair Overeem is a damn good opponet hes top 10 in the world, well rounded and happens to be the Strikeforce Champion. Then you got Brett Rodgers whos ranked like 7th and is undefeated coming off a great win over Arlovski and theres Werdum whos beat down Gonzaga twice,Vera,he beat Overeem and even choked out Fedors brother. Werdum is fighting Mike Kyle next as long as he can get it to the ground he will grapplefuck Kyle pretty quickly. I guess Fedor will fight Overeem in the fall not sure what Rodgers does in the meantime.

Can you please tell me what Overeem has done at HW to justify him being in the top 10?

And how in the world does Rogers get ranked 7th? He knocked out Arlovski and all his other victories have been against tomato cans. Rogers has shown absolutely nothing other than mediocre boxing skills and good power.

Werdum is Fedors best opponent. Overeem and Monson would be okay opponents and Rogers would be laughable how one-sided that fight would be.

[curmudgeon]

Can you please tell me what Overeem has done at HW to justify him being in the top 10?

And how in the world does Rogers get ranked 7th? He knocked out Arlovski and all his other victories have been against tomato cans. Rogers has shown absolutely nothing other than mediocre boxing skills and good power.


Apply all your reasoning to Lesnar.

[liger05]

[Only registered and activated users can see links]

Fans are going to be in for a treat with the latest development in Strikeforce's leap from large regional to nationally headlining promotion. Strikeforce CEO Scott Coker was on TapouT Radio on Monday night and let the cat out of the bag on the fact that along with their acquisition of Fedor Emelianenko and subsequent co-promotion with M-1 Global, an announcement will be coming out of Japan sometime Tuesday to announce an additional partnership between Strikeforce and DREAM to bring together the best of all three promotions.

The proposal will set up events co-promoted by all three brands wherein they will pit fighters from each promotion against one another. Fights Coker threw out as ones he was interested in the possibility of setting up were Robbie Lawler vs. Melvin Manhoef and Shinya Aoki against anyone as long as the fights in the U.S. to name just a couple. The potential for some major fight events not run by the UFC is there with the best of the best of all three companies facing off. But how long can that relationship last, and even with all three would it be enough to crack the landscape of fans on a large scale?

Coker, on the program, described the what this co-promotion with M-1 is like, saying:

"The type of relationship we have with M-1 is more like a boxing relationship. De La Hoya promotes Ricky Hatton, Bob Arum promotes Manny Pacquiao, so one guy doesn't lend his fighter to the other guy for a paycheck, what they do is they do a co-promotion. So Pacquiao fights Hatton and it's promoted by De La Hoya and Bob Arum, and somebody is the point person for the casino deal and basically produces the fight, and they work with HBO and there's a revenue split there. That's really what this M-1 deal is."

So what we've got here is three promotions that are now going to move forward in a boxing model to set up some events. While there's no doubt that for fans of the sport, in the short term, these new partnerships will bring some great fights and fighters together, this is a situation that cannot hold on for a long period of time. Outside of hardcore fans, there simply aren't enough of the "best fighters" in these three organizations that are going to draw enough interest to end up making this a truly viable endeavor.

Sure, we're all salivating at the prospective fights that could be coming our way with the Strikeforce and DREAM pairing, as there are just some awesome fights to be had in many divisions, but the fact will remain that DREAM is scene only by a tiny fraction of the MMA audience. Strikeforce is still in it's infancy as a #2 promotion, and M-1 has Fedor. That's it. The average fan couldn't tell you who Joachim Hansen or Shinya Aoki are, and the appeal of those fighters facing off against Strikeforce talent will be highly overrated in the coming months as this partnership gets closer to reality.

Quite simply the boxing model is not going to work when the UFC will still lay claim to the best fighters in almost every division. The boxing model hurts fans in the long run for the simple fact that fights like Lesnar-Fedor get clamored for but don't come to fruition because of too many promoters unwilling to work with each other. It's a problem that has pundits constantly wondering aloud about boxing's downfall. There are far too many promoters in boxing and the top talent is spread far too thin for any argument to be made that it's a good model for MMA to follow. Granted, this is only three organizations, and again in the short run it will provide more depth to some cards and help set up some more major cards in the future, but again it can't last.

Eventually it will once again come down to the majority of fans not caring if it's not the UFC. The UFC will run even more counter programming to combat the rise of a competitor, which is exactly what Strikeforce is making themselves, direct competition, to the point that even if some of these great fights come to fruition, it won't end up being enough to sustain major shows for Strikeforce and/or M-1.

Again I say, this is a great thing for fight fans right now, as we'll get some very intriguing fights that we wouldn't otherwise have had the opportunity to see. But again, if you'll notice, this talk all seems very familiar. While Strikeforce isn't bludgeoning themselves and blood letting themselves monetarily to the point Affliction was doing, this is the same type of thoughts that many had about what Affliction was doing. Yes they're putting on some great fights but it's not going to last. It can't when even the combination of the talent in all three organizations does not add up to a roster of stars and the level of show that the UFC is able to put on, both on pay-per-view and free television.

I want to be clear that in now way am I hoping for the end of Strikeforce, or DREAM for that matter. There's room for what Strikeforce was, and perhaps still is, a regional #2 promotion capable of putting on good to great cards for the fans that desire more MMA than the UFC. That said, as they try to take on the giant, there will be casualties along the way. Plus, the way Coker threw out that they are essentially in a boxing style set up for promoting here does not have me optimistic on the prospects here. I hope that they can be a healthy company capable of bringing fans the best alternative to the UFC product, I just fear that they're setting themselves up for a big fall with unrealistic expectations as to what the mass MMA audience wants to see and an attempt to break out into a global scale themselves, territory the UFC has been deeming their own. It's now going to be even more of an interesting stretch do to the end of 2009.

[LB3000]

Good aritcle, thanks for posting. This was Coker's plan since day one, but he is making it sound straightforward. There will be times when things will get difficult, espically when there are 3 orgs dealing with each other. I really hope it works out and they do well.

[jc]

MMA simply doesnt have the strength in depth to keep all this promotions in business.

[WiDDoW_MaKeR]

It's the same thing every time. These promotions try to go too big, too fast. Offer more money than they can promise... and end up too far in debt, FAST. It seems like they always end up doing this immediately after they sign Fedor/M-1 Global. I think that they overestimate exactly how much drawing power Fedor has. Then... when their PPV doesn't even come close to breaking them even... they're screwed.

[jc]

Good point Widdow. Surely it wouldbe better to be a small organisation which makes a profit and developes over time rather than go for the big buck quickly and then go bust.

[concrete sledge]

Supposedly the GUARANTEED money was the same from Strikeforce as UFC was offering.

M-1 is co promoting

CBS deal almost in place (rumor was all CBS was waiting on was confirmation of Fedor becoming a Strikeforce fighter)

Non exclusive contract.

Good move for Fedor as the UFC either was not willing or could not offer options 2-4.

Not true. They were willing to let him promote M-1 on his shorts and on the banner behind him before fights. They were also willing to let him fight Sambo as he chooses. What the UFC wasn't willing to do was to give into the offer of being 50-50 partners with M-1.

[Only registered and activated users can see links]

[concrete sledge]

Fedor VS Gina Carano!!

Go Gina!

[Stoo]

I dont think anyones mentioned the possability of UFC HW's defecting to have the chance to fight Fedor in Strikeforce. We all know Randy wants the fight, maybe even Mir too. Now that would piss Dana off badly

[ufoalf]

I dont think anyones mentioned the possability of UFC HW's defecting to have the chance to fight Fedor in Strikeforce. We all know Randy wants the fight, maybe even Mir too. Now that would piss Dana off badly

Dana will basically say, you go somewhere you'll never fight in the UFC again. Right now, he has the power to put such an ultimatum and make it work.

[Stoo]

Dana will basically say, you go somewhere you'll never fight in the UFC again. Right now, he has the power to put such an ultimatum and make it work.

I dont doubt that, he's done it before. But if something like that did happen it would only make Strikeforce a bigger draw for fighters to sign as opposed to bein Dana White's bitch. Dont think it will ever get to the Pride v UFC levels tho, but its gotta be good for MMA in general

[Beebs]

Apply all your reasoning to Lesnar.

Lesnar has beat two champs who were top easily; Herring is a solid fighter who beat huge wrestlers Kerr and Erikson, so he was a real test for Lesnar. It's not just that he beat them, it's that he looked like one of the best fighters on the planet doing it. The way he won was so impressive that anybody who can see talent sees world class talent in Brock; as good as the second most talent in the world, and clearly the best physical ability in the division.

It is the combo of who he beat, how he beat them, his mma specific skills, and his physical ability.

Overeem has some of the same things, but no all of them and not quite as strongly.

Overeem has beat many top 10 LHW's but those aren't heavyweights, still shows his mma specific skills. He has beat 3 good HW's; kharitanov was a sure top 10 HW and Overeem pounded him sensless after breaking him with a great throw, which also shows he has more than striking and a guillotine, he is clearly skilled in MMA and had some great physical gifts, not as good as Lesnars overall, but his length and height are much better, maybe the best.
Hunt was coming off loses too Fedor and Barnett, but so r people had him as high as 5 before those loses ( I had him lower to fringe top 10) and was still thought of as a top fighter by a lot of people. Mainly Hunt was considered one of the best strikers in HW, so people thought Overeem was in real trouble. Overeem dominated that fight showing Great skill in all aspects, and great physical gifts, also showed a good fight IQ. So the Hunt fight had the impressive showing, possibly the quality opponent (although not in hindsight), but most importantly he had the "matchup problem" in that Hunt dominated strikers, even more than Herring's wins over two huge great wreslters in Kerr and Erikson. Overeem looked very skilled and physically dominant, so that was a great addition to his credentials.

Buentello is a solid fighter who can strike very well, not a top guy but solid. That fight showed his skill and physical gifts in a hge way, that was one of those times you could just see world class talent and world class physical gifts.

So Overeem has a very good HW resume, with the wins, but mostly with the way he looked winning. I don't think it's quite as good as Lesnars. Overeem does have his LHW record though, where he has looked like a top fighter.

But there are also downsides to Overeems record as in the Rematch with Khaotanov he looked very bad, he was oustruck badly and never looked like winning, he also gassed which made him look very average physical gift wise. Also Overeem has been beaten badly and looked terrible physically and nnot great skill wise.

Another bad mark on the resume is his loss to Werum. (I will break down Werdum later) Which was a was a worse loss than Lesnar's. He just did not look good; he looked one dimensional with just striking. Wereum is a top fighter but is fairly one dimensional. Werdum is not a great striker and not the best with takedow; it could have been a good style matchup for Overeem to win. Instead, Overeem looked one dimensional because he couldn't stay on his feet with takedown defesnse and got handled on the ground. Compare with Lesnars loss; Lesnar showed huge power I. His punches and looked like he would win, Overeem looked bad outside of his comfort style and never looked like winning.

In his defesnse the 205 losses were as a a 205er (although Pride never had anybody not make weight except when tons did in the US; meaning they let guys be over the limit in Japan).

His losses to Kharitanov and Werdum were also when he was still not quite a full time.

Since he has turned into his 250lb physical wonder alot of those problems just got easily fixed, although gas is still a possible problem.

[ufoalf]

I won't believe Lesnar hype until he gets more wins under his belt. Yes, his wins were good but he didn't look good in Couture fight and Mir is very inconsistent, very bad at planning and zero cerebral fighting ability. Herring didn't look so hot against a good wrestler right before, nothing surprising about this win.
Same way I didn't believe Machida hype, but he has proven that he can hold his own when tested. Lesnar hasn't been tested not anywhere enough. Couple more wins like what we saw and we have a good champ. Unfortunately UFC is full of green prospects that get title shot way too fast.

[Beebs]

Just wondering what you mean by "not buying the hype"? Do you mean in terms of record?

Outside of record do you not see the world class talent I do?

[curmudgeon]

MMA simply doesnt have the strength in depth to keep all this promotions in business.

It works in boxing.

[curmudgeon]

Fedor VS Gina Carano!!

Go Gina!

Gives a whole new old meaning to ground and pound. :tdh

[cdnboxing]

Herring actually cant fight wrestlers at all. That is why the the UFC fed Herring to Lesnar. Jake O'brien did the exact same thing Lesnar did.

And its Herrings inability to fight Wrestlers that the UFC fed him Cain Velasquez....another wrestler they are trying to build up. Herring pulled out and they gave Cain an even worse opponent in Kongo.

UFC is not stupid. They knew Lesnar would smash right through Herring. They arent going to risk their cash cow.

[Beebs]

Herring actually cant fight wrestlers at all. That is why the the UFC fed Herring to Lesnar. Jake O'brien did the exact same thing Lesnar did.

And its Herrings inability to fight Wrestlers that the UFC fed him Cain Velasquez....another wrestler they are trying to build up. Herring pulled out and they gave Cain an even worse opponent in Kongo.

UFC is not stupid. They knew Lesnar would smash right through Herring. They arent going to risk their cash cow.

Can you not read? Kerr and Erikson aren't wrestlers? Aren't very similar to Lesnar in many ways?

Herring doesn't have great wrestling at all, but he beat two huge strong wrestlers that are very much like Lesnar. The whole point was to test Lesnar and make sure he didn't make the mistakes that Erikson and Kerr did, that he could get through a guy who has shown he can be outwrestled and still beat great fighters. To show that Lesnar doesn't just wrestle.

x8at9i_heath-herring-vs-tom-erikson_sport

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[jimmie]

Can you not read? Kerr and Erikson aren't wrestlers? Aren't very similar to Lesnar in many ways?

Herring doesn't have great wrestling at all, but he beat two huge strong wrestlers that are very much like Lesnar. The whole point was to test Lesnar and make sure he didn't make the mistakes that Erikson and Kerr did, that he could get through a guy who has shown he can be outwrestled and still beat great fighters. To show that Lesnar doesn't just wrestle.

x8at9i_heath-herring-vs-tom-erikson_sport

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One of the most badass moments in MMA history right there :good

[ryanty22]

the whole point is fedor signed with an inferior promotion and in three fights when strikeforce goes belly up. this whole will he or wont he sign with the ufc debate will start again. Fedor signing with strikeforce is comparable to Peyton Manning signing with the xfl or cfl. he is in the minor leagues!!!

[LB3000]

Supposedly the GUARANTEED money was the same from Strikeforce as UFC was offering. Even if the guaranteed money was the same when you add the cut from the ppv he would have easily made more in the UFC.

From Dave Meltzer:

"The UFC’s contract offer, Emelianenko would have received somewhere in the neighborhood of $3 million for a Lesnar fight in the event the fight was an unlikely flop on PPV. If the fight did similar numbers to last month’s record-setting UFC 100, Emelianenko likely would have received $6 million when pay-per-view bonuses were factored in. He was also offered a similar range of figures for future fights in the organization."

[rydersonthestorm]

Even if the guaranteed money was the same when you add the cut from the ppv he would have easily made more in the UFC.
But in a non exclusive contract it also allows him to make big fights in japan the uc would not allow, the contract also lets him be the face of products such as the ea sports mma game, being a part owner of m1 if their events take off having links with dream and strikeforce there is money to be made there.

[LB3000]

But in a non exclusive contract it also allows him to make big fights in japan the uc would not allow, the contract also lets him be the face of products such as the ea sports mma game, being a part owner of m1 if their events take off having links with dream and strikeforce there is money to be made there. Fighting wise, regardless of where he fights I doubt he will make near the amount he could have potentially made in the UFC. You make a fair point about endorsement deals, but as someone pointed out in another thread was this really an issues? If it was, we would have probably heard about it. We all know the UFC can be restrictive when it comes to that kind of stuff but I'm sure he could have still done well.

[rydersonthestorm]

Fighting wise, regardless of where he fights I doubt he will make near the amount he could have potentially made in the UFC. You make a fair point about endorsement deals, but as someone pointed out in another thread was this really an issues? If it was, we would have probably heard about it. We all know the UFC can be restrictive when it comes to that kind of stuff but I'm sure he could have still done well.
Im just poiting out that through the ufc he might get more for fighting but he might be able to make just as much cash doing other things.

[ufoalf]

Just wondering what you mean by "not buying the hype"? Do you mean in terms of record?

Outside of record do you not see the world class talent I do?

In terms of him having any kind of greatness. He has talent, no doubt. I just don't see him having a winning streak like other UFC champs, I think people overrate him from what I've seen. I think the likes of Gonzaga or even Crocop(yup) will give him fits much more than Shane Carwin or Cane will. Very unfortunate about Gonzaga loss but I still hold my opinion about him. Let me put it this way, I see many people winning over him, unlike the likes of Machida, Silva, GSP or BJ.

Perhaps my dislike for the man makes me see the many downsides in the performance in his wins. Than again, I don't like BJ Penn much either and I don't see many "holes" in his fighting.

[ufoalf]

Listen, out of any organization UFC can make Fedor the richest. Call it illogical all you want but I'll keep repeating my point that for him promoting the sport in his own country is his top priority at this point in his career. Think of his passion for promoting and competing in Sambo. M-1 working Strikeforce can help with that much more than UFC working just with Fedor, I can't think of any valid argument against that in same way against my first point.

[cdnboxing]

Can you not read? Kerr and Erikson aren't wrestlers? Aren't very similar to Lesnar in many ways?

Herring doesn't have great wrestling at all, but he beat two huge strong wrestlers that are very much like Lesnar. The whole point was to test Lesnar and make sure he didn't make the mistakes that Erikson and Kerr did, that he could get through a guy who has shown he can be outwrestled and still beat great fighters. To show that Lesnar doesn't just wrestle.

x8at9i_heath-herring-vs-tom-erikson_sport

[Only registered and activated users can see links]

I can read, and im well aware of that fight. You've mentioned it before but it really has no relevance. Erikson is a GREAT wrestler and he SHOWED it against Herring by taking him down immediately, controlling him on the ground the ENTIRE fight and if it werent for the ref standup and being gassed he almost certainly would have pulled out a win.

Herring got mauled err more like controlled against O'Brien and its almost a guarantee that he'd get the same thing done to Lesnar who is bigger and better. And Lesnar did, he outwrestled him and thats how he won.

Herring is a nice little gatekeeper for the UFC. Hes a guy who cant fight wrestlers, is durable and tough and has a good resume. Hes fought the best. And all the UFC's best prospects are indeed wrestlers.

Herring was handpicked for Lesnar. It was an easy win for Lesnar, the UFC knew it, thats why they made the fight. The UFC arent stupid.

The fact people are arguing this is a head scratcher.

[scurlaruntings]

I can read, and im well aware of that fight. You've mentioned it before but it really has no relevance. Erikson is a GREAT wrestler and he SHOWED it against Herring by taking him down immediately, controlling him on the ground the ENTIRE fight and if it werent for the ref standup and being gassed he almost certainly would have pulled out a win.

Herring got mauled err more like controlled against O'Brien and its almost a guarantee that he'd get the same thing done to Lesnar who is bigger and better. And Lesnar did, he outwrestled him and thats how he won.

Herring is a nice little gatekeeper for the UFC. Hes a guy who cant fight wrestlers, is durable and tough and has a good resume. Hes fought the best. And all the UFC's best prospects are indeed wrestlers.

Herring was handpicked for Lesnar. It was an easy win for Lesnar, the UFC knew it, thats why they made the fight. The UFC arent stupid.

The fact people are arguing this is a head scratcher.Best post you've ever written. There normally rubbish.. :think

Have you seen what a Fedor did to a prime Herring? Seriously it was brutal. It took Lesnar 3 rounds to do that against a guy who clearly is on a downward slide. Even a shot to shit Nog beat him in the UFC. I mean lets be very real here Keith isnt the guy. Still a good win for Lesnar as a rookie but it must be put into a healthy perspective.

[scurlaruntings]

I just want to see Fedor fight.. albeit all mismatches.

One thing is clear, Fedor better not lose.

This is one of the few cases in sport where a legacy can be wiped out completely with 1 loss.

All because M1 who?? wanted to co-promote.Thats nonsense. When PRIDE had the best heavyweights in the world going toe to toe no one gave a fuck except for the hardcore MMA faithful. Now the fratboy cheerleaders are out in force championing the UFC as the sudden defacto standard for all that is MMA? Puhlease. Losses happen in MMA. Look at Randy Coutures record. He's still making change in the UFC despite having a record thats close to .500. Imagine that a bout between a guy who's had a handful of a fights and another guy with a near .500 record is the biggest grossing bout in UFC and possibly MMA history? Thats not great matchmaking thats great business!! And the fanboys always lap it up.
But lets be real that fight was the equivalent of Fedor vs Fujita :lol:

Fedor's legacy has already been written years ago. Great fighters loose thats the nature of the fight game. To think any less of them is incredibly fickle and just further proves the bubble gum mentality of all that is the UFC.

[ufoalf]

Totally agree with all 3 posts above :).

[AJAX]

the whole point is fedor signed with an inferior promotion and in three fights when strikeforce goes belly up. this whole will he or wont he sign with the ufc debate will start again. Fedor signing with strikeforce is comparable to Peyton Manning signing with the xfl or cfl. he is in the minor leagues!!!

oh come on..they are building Overroid and Fedor as a "superfight" but won't let them fight right away because that's who they are going to market. overroid got tooled at LHW so he takes his vitamins ,lifts some weights and now he's fighting for the Wamma title....must be nice.

[curmudgeon]

Have you seen what a Fedor did to a prime Herring? Seriously it was brutal.


That did hurt.

[Only registered and activated users can see links]

[ufoalf]

That did hurt.

[Only registered and activated users can see links]

The takedown he does at 2:10 is perfectly timed. Never seizes to impress me.

[scurlaruntings]

oh come on..they are building Overroid and Fedor as a "superfight" but won't let them fight right away because that's who they are going to market. overroid got tooled at LHW so he takes his vitamins ,lifts some weights and now he's fighting for the Wamma title....must be nice.Monson did the same thing whilst in the UFC. Whats you're point? Theres absolutely nothing wrong with a Fedor Overeem fight. Anyone who says otherwise is NOT a fan of MMA.

[scurlaruntings]

The takedown he does at 2:10 is perfectly timed. Never seizes to impress me.Its not even that its the way he transitions so well. His fluidity is that of a snake crawling over shale. The man is a fucking stud.

[LB3000]

Listen, out of any organization UFC can make Fedor the richest. Call it illogical all you want but I'll keep repeating my point that for him promoting the sport in his own country is his top priority at this point in his career. Think of his passion for promoting and competing in Sambo. M-1 working Strikeforce can help with that much more than UFC working just with Fedor, I can't think of any valid argument against that in same way against my first point. Dont think Sambo was a issue this time round. Yeah, you cant hate on the guy for wanting to promote the sport is his country but how Strikeforce are going help him acheive that remains to been seen. There is a Strikeforce/Fedor press conference tomorrow, maybe that will clear up a few things.

[ufoalf]

Dont think Sambo was a issue this time round. Yeah, you cant hate on the guy for wanting to promote the sport is his country but how Strikeforce are going help him acheive that remains to been seen. There is a Strikeforce/Fedor press conference tomorrow, maybe that will clear up a few things.
Yea, Sambo wasn't an issue this time for sure, but mma was. Strikeforce is already helping by working with M-1.