MMA promotion Strikeforce will hold its final event in January, almost 22 months after it was acquired by the UFC’s owners with promises to continue “business as usual.” So much for that.
UFC president Dana White told reporters following UFC 154 that “I am (disappointed). I don’t want to talk any s—, though. I could for about four hours. But I won’t. It’s not worth it.”
Showtime pulled the plug on the struggling promotion after injuries forced the cancellation of planned cards in September and November. Showtime and Zuffa had earlier butted heads when the UFC signed away SF stars Alistair Overeem, Nick Diaz and Dan Henderson in the first few months after the SF purchase.
He said he plans to attend the promotion’s final event in Oklahoma City’s Chesapeake Energy Center on January 12. The card had been expected to feature three title fights but is already down to one. SF Middleweight champ Luke Rockhold defending his title against Lorenz Larkin, but Rockhold had to pull out of the fight after re-injuring his hand. Lightweight champ Gilbert Melendez had been slated to face Pat Healy but he pulled out earlier.
Welterweight title fight Nate Marquardt vs. Tarec Saffiedine
Daniel Cormier vs. Dion Staring
Gegard Mousasi vs. Mike Kyle
Ryan Couture vs. K.J. Noons
Pat Healy vs. TBA