Despite persistent rumors, Strikeforce hasn't completed a broadcast deal to remain on Showtime.
But Strikeforce CEO Scott Coker today hinted at some progress with the premium-cable channel and suggested an announcement could be coming.
"That's something we'll just have to wait and see," Coker said. "But I think things are going well, and I think we'll have something to announce soon."
Coker today made the commitments as part of a medial call ahead of a Dec. 17 "Strikeforce: Melendez vs. Masvidal" event in San Diego. It's Strikeforce's final event of 2011, and a Jan. 7 event is slated to kick off 2012 in Las Vegas. However, the current two-year Strikeforce-Showtime deal expires in February, so barring a renewal, they could be the final ones on Showtime.
While a renewal once appeared unlikely – especially given Zuffa (the UFC and Strikeforce's parent company) and Showtime's sometimes-contentious relationship – Showtime has undergone changes at the executive level, and UFC president Dana White recently got involved in the negotiations.
Coker said he has reason to believe the six-year-old promotion could continue with Showtime next year.
"I'm optimistic at this point," he said.
Even if a deal weren't reached, Coker suggested Strikeforce will soldier on.
"I think we've put on some of the best fights in the history of MMA," Coker said. "We've done our part to grow this sport ... and fighters, and it's going to continue."
But Strikeforce CEO Scott Coker today hinted at some progress with the premium-cable channel and suggested an announcement could be coming.
"That's something we'll just have to wait and see," Coker said. "But I think things are going well, and I think we'll have something to announce soon."
Coker today made the commitments as part of a medial call ahead of a Dec. 17 "Strikeforce: Melendez vs. Masvidal" event in San Diego. It's Strikeforce's final event of 2011, and a Jan. 7 event is slated to kick off 2012 in Las Vegas. However, the current two-year Strikeforce-Showtime deal expires in February, so barring a renewal, they could be the final ones on Showtime.
While a renewal once appeared unlikely – especially given Zuffa (the UFC and Strikeforce's parent company) and Showtime's sometimes-contentious relationship – Showtime has undergone changes at the executive level, and UFC president Dana White recently got involved in the negotiations.
Coker said he has reason to believe the six-year-old promotion could continue with Showtime next year.
"I'm optimistic at this point," he said.
Even if a deal weren't reached, Coker suggested Strikeforce will soldier on.
"I think we've put on some of the best fights in the history of MMA," Coker said. "We've done our part to grow this sport ... and fighters, and it's going to continue."
