Strikeforce to Change in 2012 (Again)

By Micah Stoll

As 2011 closed, many off Strikeforce's top fighters defected to the UFC. The lure of fighting better fighters, on a bigger stage and earning more money were reasons why Strikeforce's champs left in droves to the greener pastures of the UFC.

I, like many others, saw this taking place and assumed Strikeforce was going to be tossed on the heap of dead MMA organizations that the UFC has left behind them.

However, in the past week Dana White has commented that Strikeforce will be renewing its contract with Showtime and staying open.

"We'll see what happens," said White. "I know I keep saying this every week, but the deal should be wrapped up any day now, and then I'll make the decisions on who goes where and what's going to happen."

Some have pointed to the UFC's purchase of the WEC as a failed attempt by the UFC to own another organization, allow it to run as a separate entity and be successful. I disagree.

The UFC cleaned out the 205, 185 and 170 divisions. Bringing over the fighters that could compete in their overlapping divisions. 

The smaller weight classes were allowed to develop talent. A couple years ago most fans knew only Miguel Torres and Urijah Faber. Now UFC 142 will be headlined by a 145 pound title fight and UFC 144 will be headlined by a former 155 title holder in the WEC.

The UFC used the WEC to get exactly what they wanted. "We had a television deal," said White. "A great television deal with the WEC. It was very successful. The fights were awesome. There were people that loved watching the WEC fights. It absolutely worked."

Fighters were given a forum to showcase their skills and market themselves. The UFC showed the casual MMA fan that bigger fighters does not always mean better fights.

Once the talent pool deepened enough to consistently put on entertaining fights at 135 and 145 pounds the UFC absorbed the divisions to fill their growing yearly schedule.

The UFC does not need to absorb the current roster of Strikeforce fighters to add depth. What they need is an organization that allows up and coming fighters a chance to compete. 

Strikeforce will allow fighters to step up in competition and in show size from regional promotions.

Strikeforce will allow wrestlers to develop their Jiu Jitsu and striking. Strikers to work on their grappling.

Scott Coker recently said of Strikeforce, "We're going to keep building these fighters. We're going to continue putting on great fights."

It's subtle, but I believe Coker gave away Strikeforce's future. They will be the minor league of the UFC.Baseball has minor leagues. The NBA had the developmental league. Most sports, except football, have a professional organization(s) to develop young talent. 

Strikeforce will be the perfect place for fighters such as Roger Gracie, King Mo and Tyron Woodley to develop an all around game. Then, once ready, move to the UFC and fight the more dangerous opponents on a bigger stage.