Strikeforce Close To Shutting Down Operations

[No More Sorrow]

story run by AXS TV's "Inside MMA" claims that, according to reliable sources, Showtime is looking to end its broadcasting relationship with Strikeforce, signaling what could be the fast approaching end to the Zuffa-owned promotion as we know it today.

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It's been a rough month for Strikeforce and its fans.


In September, Strikeforce lightweight champion Gilbert Melendez made the decision to withdraw from his main event match opposite number one contender Pat Healy because of a badly separated shoulder.


The loss of the headlining bout prompted Showtime, Strikeforce's cable broadcasting partner, to cancel the event, stating a lack of interest in airing the card without the marquee match up.


That's not all.


The injury bug soon struck again when Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) heavyweight Frank Mir was forced to withdraw from his one-off "crossover" fight with Strikeforce heavyweight Daniel Cormier, which was scheduled to take place in Oklahoma City, Okla., on Nov. 3, 2012.


Cormier is still technically on the card and scheduled to fight; however, no opponent has been named with the event less than one month from today.


Sounds fishy.


To complicate matters even further, Strikeforce Middleweight champion, Luke Rockhold, announced yesterday that he, too, will be sidelined for his fight opposite Lorenz Larkin, which was scheduled to serve as the Nov. 3 card's co-main event.


The promotion is in turmoil. And a report surfaced the evening (courtesy of AXS TV's "Inside MMA"), claiming that reliable sources have stated a decaying relationship between Showtime and Strikeforce. If accurate, the Nov. 3 Strikeforce show is in serious danger of cancelation.


It could also mean that Strikeforce's end as a promotion may be drawing near more quickly than originally thought.


Here's the report, which was delivered by "Inside MMA's" Kenny Rice:


"'Inside MMA' has heard from multiple sources that the relationship between Strikeforce and Showtime may be coming to an end. We are being told that the November 3rd event is in serious jeopardy, and there's a strong possibility that Showtime will no longer broadcast Strikeforce events. This could very possibly signify the end of the Strikeforce brand. Strikeforce was purchased by Zuffa in March of 2011. We have to receive any word from either Showtime or Strikeforce as this development continues."


At this point in time, the report has been neither officially confirmed nor denied by the powers that be at Showtime or Strikeforce.

I know this was brought up in another thread, but i think it deserves it's own thread given how big of an impact this could have.

Some rumors are saying it could only be a few days before it officially shuts down.

 

[Troy]

I would be surprised if they run another event. Their roster is so depleted now and they have to rely on all of them staying healthy. UFC may as well just absorb all their assets and bring it under the UFC banner.

 

[No More Sorrow]

I'm thinking that's going to happen.

It sucks, for a while Strikeforce was putting on really solid events. UFC has to be some what happy about this, even though they own SF they're going to make TONS of money off of Strikeforce's Roster. Cormier/Melendez/Rousey come in to mind first, followed by a ton of younger guys like Pat Healy, Josh Thomson, Nate Marquardt. Barnett will be a nice addition as well.

Also as a fan of MMA, it sucks too. There's not a whole lot of other companies out their. I'm not so big on Bellator anymore, as i think they need to move away from their tournament format.

 

[The Cork]

It's fantastic news if true.

I used to be a massive fan of Strikeforce pre-Zuffa acquisition and their cards were often better than the UFC's (Fedor vs Werdum is one of the best PPV's I've ever seen) but since they buyout and the Grand Prix ending theres not a lot to offer. I'm sure people only watch to keep tabs on Melendez and Rousey.

From a fan point of view, it's great because we finally get Cormier and Barnett in an already solid heavyweight division (although they were coming whether SF folded or not), Melendez vs Ben Henderson is a dream fight, and a Rousey/Cyborg season of TUF sounds pretty good to me too.

As for the fighters, it sucks because there will be a lot of guys getting cut soon. Lucky that Bellator are looking to fill out their roster for the Spike debut I guess.


edit - just read NMS post above and said pretty much exact same haha

 

[PHX]

I would hate this unless UFC creates a woman's division which Dana seems to always be against. To me that is the best thing that Strikeforce has going for them with Ronda Rousey's rise.

 

[Deezy]

Can't create a womens division when you only have like 3-4 women who are good. Division needs to be deep in order to promote it.

also, Zuffa has been waiting since the acquisition for Showtime to end the TV deal, now they can absorb all the assets the Strikeforce has and at a time when injuries are happening left and right, who wouldn't want to have more fighters on a roster.