Strikeforce kicked off their 2012 with a good card last night in Las Vegas, and they've already made plans for their next card. While they were unable to confirm a main event, the bouts that were announced ranged from expected to potentially explosive. Here are the fights confirmed for the card, currently scheduled for March 3rd in the Nationwide Arena in Columbis, OH:
Miesha Tate (12-2) vs. Ronda Rousey (4-0) for Women's 135 pound title
K.J. Noons (11-4) vs. Josh Thomson (18-4)
Paul Daley (29-11-2) vs. Kazuo Misaki (24-11-2)
Alexis Davis (11-4) vs. Sarah Kaufman (14-1)
The expected main event of the card was to be the Strikeforce Heavyweight Grand Prix finals bout between Josh Barnett and Daniel Cormier, however there are concerns that Cormier's broken hand won't be healed up in time for March 3rd. If Cormier isn't ready to go, Tate vs. Rousey would likely fill the main event slot. Even without Barnett vs. Cormier though, the card looks quite interesting with Misaki's return to Strikeforce and a probable women's number one contenders bout in addition to the title fight.
0 recs | 69 comments
This is the worst Strikeforce card since they got the EXC contracts.
pdl - January 8, 2012
I like the card, especially if Barnett-Cormier happens
KOQ24 - January 8, 2012
This card Needs that fight bad
but it doesn’t sound like that is gonna happen
RashadsLeftNipple - January 8, 2012
Even without that fight
There are tons of significant Strikeforce fighters who could be put on this card. This is the very first announcement regarding matchups, so it’s too early to complain.
Baby Wads - January 8, 2012
Im not complaining
I just think a compelling main event is needed to get high viewer numbers and there arent too many options at the moment
RashadsLeftNipple - January 8, 2012
Did you hear Cormier's interview?
He sure wasn’t talking like a guy who thinks he’s going to be ready to fight in eight weeks.
MichaelDavidSmith - January 8, 2012
Yeah. If it was going on this card, they would have announced it yesterday. Don’t see it happening.
Horselover Fat - January 8, 2012
It's got Paul Daley
your argument is invald.
Dave Strummer - January 8, 2012
I hope some day the real story comes out
of why Zuffa resigned with Showtime to keep Strikeforce alive in this form. Events like last night and this one make no sense. There’s a few top end fighters who are just going to languish.
ChicagoMMAFan - January 8, 2012
Everyone will bitch and it will be a fun card.
Earl Montclair - January 8, 2012
This
People need to stop whining about the "new" Strikeforce. Watch it or don’t watch it. Complaining about it is old already.
Tim Burke - January 8, 2012
Complaining about people complaing about cards is old too
I think this will be a fun card and will definitely be watching it. But you really cant expect people to think this card isn’t lacking a solid main event.
Strikeforce is great, but they definitely have lost much of their depth with the HW division leaving along with some of their other stars before the new Showtime deal
RashadsLeftNipple - January 8, 2012
It’s more about the “Rockhold and Melendez are stuck in the Strikeforce…kill it and move them over”. There are a million reasons why Zuffa keeping SF going is good for their business and the MMA business in general. People like to conveniently ignore the fact that Rockhold, and especially Melendez, CHOSE to sign with SF. Gil makes more in SF than he’d ever make in the UFC. He re-upped in mid-2011 with them.
It’s just popular to bitch about SF right now, that’s why people are doing it. They don’t even want to look a little deeper at the issues at hand.
Tim Burke - January 8, 2012
Melendez resigned with Strikeforce prior to the Zuffa buyout.
MattParker117 - January 8, 2012
So?
Tim Burke - January 8, 2012
Are your seriously telling me that Zuffa wouldn’t have moved Melendez over if the only keeping them from doing so was a champions clause?
MattParker117 - January 8, 2012
What? I’m saying Gil re-signed a two-year, 6 fight deal with SF before the purchase. He could have rode it out and become a free agent and gone to the UFC like Jake Shields did if he wanted to. Champion’s clauses have always been overhyped BS, and SF has never enforced one (Shields, for example). People thought that they did to Kaufman, but they didn’t at all.
Basically, Gil took the money to stay in SF. It was his choice.
Tim Burke - January 8, 2012
Shields didn’t have a champions clause in his ProElite deal. He had a one-fight option which Strikeforce failed to exercise.
MattParker117 - January 8, 2012
Even better then. I’m not sure where you pulled the champion’s clause out of what I was saying anyway.
Tim Burke - January 8, 2012
Melendez’s previous Strikeforce deal was expired plus he only resigned a month prior to the buyout. Moving him over would of just required a signature as I assume Zuffa would ignore the champions clause.
MattParker117 - January 8, 2012
Are you talking about right after the merger? There wasn’t a big call for Gil to be moved over in the immediate aftermath, even after the Kawajiri win. They brought over the guys that would make them money in the UFC. As good as Gil is, he’s hardly a draw (just like the rest of the LW division sans when BJ was around).
Tim Burke - January 8, 2012
Fair point, throwing Gil into that logjam would not of been smart.
MattParker117 - January 8, 2012
people bitch about UFC cards too.
But I hear ya. I think a lot of those people never appreciated SF from the beginning. There’s a mentality shared by a lot of people that a fight has to have two top 10 fighters to be good or interesting and I don’t get that at all
RashadsLeftNipple - January 8, 2012
Some MMA fans are not looking at this card relative to their roster
I think that MMA fans have the right to complain, but you are right. I just don’t know what they expect from Strikeforce cards especially considering their thin roster. Should Melendez headline every Strikeforce card or something? If this is a weak card, then I just want to know what are the realistic standards (not bringing in UFC fighters as that is not realistic) for a strong Strikeforce card these days.
Also, like it or not, Paul Daley, KJ Noons, and Josh Thomson really are some of the top fighters for Strikeforce with Tate, Kaufman and Rousey being their top female talent at this time, so relative to their roster, Strikeforce is putting some of their top fighters on this card. Looking at the card relative to their roster of fighters, I feel that so far, this is actually a pretty strong card.
Noons vs Thomson and Daley vs Misaki are two solid fights. Tate vs Rousey is a fight I’m looking forward to as well. I personally don’t see the gripe here especially since the main event isn’t set yet.
chrisbboy82 - January 9, 2012
That’s always a good attitude to have.
This card will do shit for viewers and stuff like that will contribute to the promotion being put down. But if you don’t like it, keep your mouth shut!
Brent Brookhouse - January 8, 2012
That’s kinda overdramatic. The card isn’t complete yet for one, and I’ve already clarified what I was referring to in regards to the argument anyway.
Tim Burke - January 8, 2012
People complain about low quality cards because they think they’re low quality.
Yes, Melendez signed with Strikeforce when it was at its most viable. Then it got bought taking away the possibility of competing for talent for him to face, then top stars were pulled away, making the promotion as a whole less attractive and his status as the best in Strikeforce less valuable.
Look, there’s a reason that the new deal was for a lot less money. If they don’t pull good ratings, the promotion is dead.
There are two slots to fill for the main card right now (i hope they don’t put Kaufman/Davis on the main card). If Tate/Rousey is headlining? that’s bad.
Brent Brookhouse - January 8, 2012
I don’t believe this card will do “shit for viewers”. Compared to Fedor-era SF? Yes. Compared to Jardine/Rockhold? No. You can’t say it got picked apart, then expect it to do the same ratings it was doing at “it’s most viable”. We all know what the new Strikeforce entails. Expectations have to be tempered with reality. It’s still profitable to the promotion and the network, especially with the lower rights fees per event.
You know that women’s MMA isn’t the death knell to ratings that you’re claiming, you just don’t like WMMA in general. Tate/Rousey will do okay as a main event. It’s certainly not good, but it’s certainly not absolutely terrible.
And Kaufman/Davis should be on the main card. If they’re going forward with 135 as a viable division (and they are), it’s ridiculous to bury a number one contenders bout on the prelims.
Tim Burke - January 8, 2012
profitable FOR
Tim Burke - January 8, 2012
I’m a huge MMA fan and I have Showtime and was free last night but didn’t even to bother to watch any fight other than Lawal/Larkin for about 5 minutes.
TheFilt - January 8, 2012
I actually do know that women’s MMA doesn’t do well for viewers. It does well when it’s Gina or Cyborg.
If they put two women’s fights on the main card? Come on.
They built Strikeforce Challengers 6 around the women (had pre-contender Rockhold) and it did awful ratings. The whole marketing there was women, new division and being a tournament. It did the second lowest ratings of the year for Strikeforce.
Gina and Cyborg were draws. All indications are that Kaufmann, Rousey and Tate are not. Tate got seen on the Fedor/Henderson undercard but she gets very little for search traffic, etc. Rousey fought on two of the lowest rated shows in Strikeforce history. These aren’t fighters with much for public cache, so you’re basically just hoping that the Strikeforce brand name can draw eyes.
Brent Brookhouse - January 8, 2012
Challengers 10 did do decent numbers with the other female tournament. I will mention that. but i seriously don’t think it’d do even as well as Jardine/Rockhold
Brent Brookhouse - January 8, 2012
Although they actually adjusted 10 so that the women weren’t the main event and then the viewership went up over15% for the main event between Joe Riggs and Louis Taylor
Brent Brookhouse - January 8, 2012
Viewership actually peaked during the end of the Carmouche fight, but yeah, it was seen as people tuning in for the Riggs fight.
Tim Burke - January 8, 2012
Kaufman isn’t a draw. I agree with that. Rousey hasn’t done well either so far. Tate has been televised a few times now, and while she can’t take any credit for the ratings, they’ve all done well. I’m not arguing that’s it’s a great main event. I’m arguing that it’s not absolutely terrible, especially in the new Strikeforce. It’s unfortunate that they can’t have Barnett/Cormier on top, and who knows, they might still have another bout there.
Tim Burke - January 8, 2012
Another thing to mention though – those Challengers cards regularly peaked audience-wise during women’s bouts. Kaufman/Modafferi, Nunes/Budd, etc.
Tim Burke - January 8, 2012
In relation to Strikeforce’s roster though, they are putting some of their higher-end fighters on this card like Noons, Thomson, Daley and their top 135 lb female fighters. What can Strikeforce realistically do besides what they put together? Besides having Cormier vs Barnett as the main event, isn’t this really nearly the best that they have (as far as non-champions go) that they are putting on this card?
chrisbboy82 - January 9, 2012
What's the point?
Seriously Gilbert Melendez and Luke Rockhold are wasted in Strikeforce and no decent UFC fighter is going to want to be basically sent down to the minors. I don’t see a long term future for Strikeforce with it’s tiny roster and am mystified as to why Zuffa didn’t the plug.
MattParker117 - January 8, 2012
maybe they and their lawyers, analysts and accountants...
have a bit more information and experience than you and have come to a different conclusion?
John Danaher's Hair - January 8, 2012
You don’t think someone like Maynard or even BJ wouldn’t want to have a chance to take on the #2 LW in the world?
memitim - January 8, 2012 via mobile
Not if it meant going to Strikeforce
Strikeforce will be forever viewed as the minor leagues. Sponsorship money is going to take a hit. Why go to Strikeforce and challenged the #2 lightweight when you can just challenged the #3 or 4 for more money?
discoandherpes - January 8, 2012
Just call the HW GP a dud.....
Lets put Barnett and Cormier in the UFC and start making the fights people want to see. If Cormier isn’t ready in MArch let Barnett fight Mir in a UFC match and let have the Big Country/ Werdum winner.
Naztuu - January 8, 2012
let Cormier have the Big country/Werdum winner......
Naztuu - January 8, 2012
Done.
The HW GP is a dud.
John Danaher's Hair - January 8, 2012
Daley is still with Strikforce?
Ricardo Arguello - January 8, 2012
What time is this card going to air, going up against the UFC card from Australia that is showing the same night?
dpk875 - January 8, 2012
That card takes place on March 3rd in Australia, but due to the time difference it’ll air Friday night in North America.
Tim Burke - January 8, 2012
I know the reason for it, BUT...
Wouldn’t it be a better fit if it was:
Miesha Tate (12-2) vs.Sarah Kaufman (14-1) for Women’s 135 pound title
Alexis Davis (11-4) vs. Ronda Rousey (4-0)
You give Rousey a good test and if she gets through that she can fight the winner?
dude-1981 - January 8, 2012
Yup.
That makes a helluva lot more sense. But Rousey talked her way to the head of the line.
Tim Burke - January 8, 2012
exactly what I was thinking, seriously Rousey needs that signature win against someone more experienced, or someone else thats on the rise. Davis has the ability to wear on opponents, that would be a good test for Rousey, and well….Kaufman just deserves it more.
Mrh347 - January 8, 2012
title challengers with 4 pro fights...
and no fights at the weight of the title shot is a bad look.
John Danaher's Hair - January 8, 2012
Alexis Davis gives Kaufman a beating
yellopanda - January 8, 2012
When I rub my nipples, I can evoke the feeling of homesickness.
John Danaher's Hair - January 8, 2012
Tate vs. Rousey is already ratings death if it has to main event. Tate vs. Kaufman is an unimaginably bad main event
Kaufman and Davis will fight on Extreme.
Brent Brookhouse - January 8, 2012
I'm pretty sure Alexis Davis has nothing for Rousey
discoandherpes - January 8, 2012
Daley-Misaki
Could be a really good fight, but even if it doesn’t turn out amazing I’d really quite like to watch it. Muy plus interessant.
ToffeeA - January 8, 2012
Is it at 170?
I thought Misaki was a middleweight?
Stiff Jab - January 8, 2012
I think it's interesting also.
I wonder how much of effect the weigh cut will have on Misaki.
Perhaps he loses some of his stamina( wich isn’t already really good) but gains some speed( wich is no good either).
I don’t think he’ll have much on Daley, perhaps a hail Mary sub, but that’s the only thing I can see.
TKOTIME - January 8, 2012 via mobile
Solid card man what has Misaki been up to?
Really hope the HWGP finals are on this card just beacuse I don’t care to see Kauffman Davis. Rousey Tate though is going to be fun and by that I mean Tate is getting her arm ripped off.
MaZZacare - January 8, 2012
What a "fuck you" to Kaufman
Brutal.
John Danaher's Hair - January 8, 2012
People really tend to hate Kaufman
Not sure why, but that seems to be the case
discoandherpes - January 8, 2012
She’s the mediator of Jon Fitch and Tyron Woodley when it comes to boring.
MicahtheCynic - January 8, 2012
Can't say I disagree
At least she punches people I guess?
discoandherpes - January 8, 2012
In fairness..
The Melendez and Rockhold main cards have been all stacked with as big of names as Strikeforce gets. Also, each event has had moments where your probably god damn… Mousasi absolutely destroying OSP everywhere in Round 1 and King Mo GnP KOing Larkin stand out for me.
However, as a whole, there seems to be a rather lack of emotion from the fighters. They all feel safe under the Zuffa banner and there is no go for broke fight mentality, which I felt was present pre-zuffa.
But, this card will be different. The womens will fight to prove there worth, Paul Daley and his UFC shit that happened will bring back the “We needa do our fucking best, to impress Dana” mentality.
yellopanda - January 8, 2012
This is not very good.
Horselover Fat - January 8, 2012
They should add Mousasi vs Kyle as title eliminator to fight King Mo for belt. Would make this a much more appealing card.
TLow - January 8, 2012
Feijao vs. Mouse Saucy should be the fight
Seeing as how Kyle and King Mo both train out of AKA
discoandherpes - January 8, 2012
War Misaki.
WAAAAAAAAAAAAR MISAKIIIIIII KAZUUUUUUUOOOOOOOOO
OleksiyPecherovsHomeboy - January 8, 2012
If they can’t use the HW fight the smart move is obviously to make the Daley fight main event. Him against Misaki is an excellent match-up with way more casual fan appeal (due to weight plus Daley would be on my personal “never cut” list).
Bolshevik - January 9, 2012
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