STRIKEFORCE Rises From Elite XC's Ashes

As many MMA fans know, Strikeforce has recently signed a major TV dead with Showtime and CBS while purchasing the assets of Elite XC. The new collaboration of shows is scheduled to begin April 11th with a show featuring Scott "Hands Of Stone" Smith versus Benji Radach. The San Jose based Strikeforce has been the baby of Scott Coker who has had the company around for many years as a kickboxing promotion, and then broke into MMA with their Shamrock vs Gracie show on March 10, 2006. Since that time they have built a solid promotion and fan following with such names as Cung Le, Josh Thompson, Paul Buentello, Tank Abbott, Bang Ludwig, Gilbert Melendez, Babalu Sobral, Daniel Puder, Alistair Overeem and many more totaling 16 fight cards.

Then February 5th, Strikeforce purchased select assets from ProElite, Inc. including the library of EliteXC’s fights as well as certain fighter contracts. There is a possibility of adding fighters such as Gina Carano, Brett Rogers, Jake Shields, Nick Diaz, Eddie Alvarez, and possibly even Kimbo Slice. Not all contracts are transferable but managers and agents are already scrambling to work out deals with Strikeforce to get their fighters back to work. The rumor now is that 42 of some 150 contracts are already added to Strikeforce's stable.

Scott Coker was able to accomplish this amazing merger by buying Elite XC's debt to CBS & Showtime, while flexing his muscles with partners who run the San Jose Sharks and the HP Pavilion. Companies by Mark Ecko and Sun Entertainment also have an as yet unnamed financial stake in the new Strikeforce business.

Currently, the aforementioned Scott Smith and Benji Radach, as well as Christiane Cyborg Santos, are already signed while Scott Coker has opted not to pick up contracts to Antonio Silva and Ninja Rua. A huge rumor is that Strikeforce is planning Frank Shamrock vs Nick Diaz (at a catch weight) for their next show April 11th. Both sides have confirmed interest in the bout but no dotted lines have been signed.

It will be interesting to see in the coming weeks which fighters land in the new and improved Strikeforce, and it is great to have some established UFC competition taking their game to the next level with the support of Showtime and CBS. Great things to come...............