Today was not the best day to wake up hungover at one in the afternoon. A found iPhone vibrated 66 times until I awoke this morning. That gentleman is on his way to my place for his cellular device. Then I fire up my computer to find out that Zuffa purchased Strikeforce. Um, what?
I still don’t know what to say. It explains Scott Coker’s recent absence from the Strikeforce show in Columbus. (Or maybe it doesn’t.) It’s such a dynamic paradigm shift in the MMA world without the obvious build that preceded Zuffa’s purchase of Pride. It’s exciting and depressing and crazy and normal and everything all at the same time.
Twitter, of course, blew up when the news broke. Here’s a digest of the best and most interesting thoughts from around the MMA and sports world today. Expect updates throughout the day.
BREAKING NEWS: ZUFFA PURCHASES STRIKEFORCE — http://ow.ly/4d8Cs
The UFC/Strikeforce split is all about contracts. Once they’re fulfilled with Showtime, I’m told a WEC type merger is planned.
Amazing that UFC and Strikeforce could work out a deal before NFL and NFLPA. Think I just saw a pig flying over
I am really lucky to cover MMA and football, but I definitely feel like a business reporter this weekend.
@LiverKickdotcom Conveniently, 2012 is the end of the world. Coincidence?
[UPDATE] More reaction from Twitter after the jump.
I’m not demanding. I just hope this means I get reliable wireless access and unobstructed views at Strikeforce events now.
Big, big picture here, Viacom owns MMA.
As the NFL lockout begins, the UFC continues on a major roll w/ the purchase of Strikeforce. MMA, folks. Get on board.
@JoshGrossESPN Women’s divisions? Fedor? Tournament? Barnett? Overeem/Velasquez? Even bigger roster; massive layoffs? #SoManyQuestions
Dana says “we needed more fights and more fighters” but there’s a bit of a disconnect here. UFC already has too many fighters.
I’ve set a clock in my home to countdown to the end of the Strikeforce/Showtime contract.
Other bonuses to this purchase: No dogs barking during phone conferences
Wait whoa, will I still have a job?!
Scott Coker will have news on the UFC’s purchase of Strikeforce in… uh, 24 hours.
Also, “business as usual” has now cuddled up with “in the mix” in the lounge of Really Amusing Things That Dana White Says.
Promotions remain separate so long as the Strikeforce contracts with Showtime are in place. That was the big hurdle. Was crossed recently.
Since people have asked: I imagine Strikeforce goes on until Showtime deal is up,at which point UFC poaches or dissolves. One of the two.
Dana White’s candor after big news stories like this is always interesting and refreshing to hear.
RT @kcc21885 @joshgrossespn explain how viacom owns mma please. Do they own zuffa? … They own CBS, SpikeTV, Showtime, MTV2.