Strikeforce will finally, mercifully die in February ’13 and there will be a mad run on MMA free agents. With the UFC roster bursting at around 400 contracts we will see not only an insurgence of Strikeforce talent but current UFC fighters constantly on the chopping block. It should make for a fun talent exchange much like in the heyday of the WWF and WCW. Fun times are afoot but just who makes the cut and who is forced to put in work at the minor shows? MMAFO has the answers baby birds.
Heavyweight
Who's In?
Daniel Cormier “DC,” the winner of the debacle that was the Strikeforce Heavyweight Grand Prix is coming to Zuffa and will be a major player.
Who's Out?
Sergei Kharitonov No love for the Russian BLAF? The Golden Glory fighter could beat many of the Heavyweights currently employed in the UFC and he doesn’t even get a sniff. What the hell man? 19-5 and coming off a 0:34 submission win in June.
Josh Barnett The “Warmaster” has had a very famous, public, and bitter feud with Dana White but you cannot deny he is one of the best Heavyweights in the world and he should be brought over. I doubt it happens though with all the bad blood and Josh's love of professional wrestling which Zuffa won't allow him to do.
Light Heavyweight
Who's In?
Gegard Mousasi The normally busy “Dreamcatcher” has been absent this year but he is one of the free agents I look forward to seeing the most in the UFC. A gaudy record of 32-3 in the Light Heavyweight division and we already know 205 needs new blood for Jon Jones. This former Strikeforce and DREAM champion could easily fill the void.
Gian Villante The 10-3 Jersey fighter has stumbled in his career but there is talent there for the 27 year old. Give him a shot to rumble in the lower UFC 205 ranks.
Ovince St. Preux There is massive potential in the former Tennessee football player and stepping into a deep pool of talent will either improve or destroy him. Lets find out what the 12-5 “OSP” can do.
Who's Out?
Mike Kyle I don’t like this guy. He’s a cheater and a douche who should see the minor leagues.
Rafael Cavalcante The steroid suspension is really going to hurt “Feijao’s” chances but he is a former Strikeforce Light Heavyweight Champion and he does train with the legends at Team Nogueira/Black House camp.
Middleweight
Who's In?
Luke Rockhold (Champion) The AKA titleholder is a shue in for the UFC. Count on it.
Ronaldo Souza “Jacare” deserves his 1st shot at the UFC Middleweights as well not just because he is the former Strikeforce Champion but because of his stellar Jiu-Jitsu and ever improving striking in the X-Gym camp.
Roger Gracie The name alone gets him cred but he deserves it for being a multiple ADCC and IBJJF world champion Jiu-Jitsu monster. Being a member of Black House won’t hurt either.
Adlan Amagov The “Wolf” lost a fisticuffs bout with the heavy handed Robbie Lawer but that can happen and otherwise the striker has been quite successful.
Who’s Out
Keith Jardine Its not out of the question that the UFC veteran gets another shot in the big time since he is a beloved “name” and fights out of Jackson/Winkeljohn, but he shouldn’t be fighting period. Since leaving the UFC on a 3 fight losing streak, the “Dean of Mean” has gone 2-3-1 and the 1 (a Draw) should have been a loss with proper judging. Getting KO’s 6 times and reaching near 40 seems like its closing time.
Lumumba Sayers Nope. “Heavy Hands” just got tapped in a bout he should have won and was a heavy favorite. More work to be done.
Robbie Lawler The “Ruthless” one much like Jardine has a veteran name but he is a one dimensional striker who struggles on the mat and lost 3 of his last 4. Not enough upside to continue at the top level.
Robbie Lawler The “Ruthless” one much like Jardine has a veteran name but he is a one dimensional striker who struggles on the mat and lost 3 of his last 4. Not enough upside to continue at the top level.
Derek Brunson The 9-2 Jackson/Winkeljohn fighter lost his last two but the judges screwed him against Kendall Grove and Ronaldo Souza is “Jacare” so not too much harm there. The problem is Zuffa won’t likely bring in a guy on a two fight losing streak even though he is brimming with talent. Eventually he makes his way in.
Welterweight
Who's In?
Nate Marquardt (Champion) This one I’m not entirely certain of. Nate was bounced from the UFC in disgrace and Dana White famously said he’d never, ever, be allowed to return but the “Baldfather” has broken his word a time or two. Nate looked quite amazing destroying the previously unbeaten “T-Wood” for the vacant title and that speaks as loud as Dana.
Tyron Woodley Speaking of “T-Wood,” he may be labeled a “boring” fighter and sometimes rightfully so, but the ATT wrestling phenom is 10-1 tasting only a single loss in said title fight. Tons of potential looms if he can develop his offense.
Kazuo Misaki The “Hitman” had the fight of the year against Jorge Santiago in ’10 and is known for gutsy balls out fights fans love to watch. Three wins in a row including a win over banished Paul Daley gives the 36 fight veteran his long overdue shot!
Jason High Goddamn right the “Kansas City Bandit” deserves a shot at the big dance. Granted he lost his one UFC bout but who hasn’t been dry humped to death by Charlie Brenneman. Besides, with the UFC’s love of twitter ya gotta call in the “Bandit” who is on a 7 fight winning streak!
Quinn Mulhern Eleven career submission wins, a 3 fight winning streak, and potential. Yup.
Bobby Voelker After his exciting trilogy with Roger Bowling has grown into a solid fighter and being an exciting striker with 15 (T)KO’s to your credit doesn’t hurt.
Jordan Mein The 23 year old “Young Gun” would fit in well on a Canada card bringing his 13 (T)KO’s and 7 submissions with him. This kid could make some noise.
Who’s Out?
Evangelista Santos The time for “Cyborg” never came and the slugger is relegated to Jungle Fight.
Roger Bowling "Relentless" couldn't hang in Strikeforce's top 10 so what hope does he have in the UFC?
Nah-Shon Burrell Despite an awesome name and being a "Rock-N-Rolla," Burrell is a not yet ready for prime time player. He could be one day but some seasoning is needed.
Lightweight
Who's In?
Gilbert Melendez (Champion) The most eagerly anticipated and high value free agent should come in to an immediate title shot provided he retains the gold against “Bam Bam” in the final Strikeforce show. El Nino is coming!
Josh Thomson The “Punk” is a solid veteran in the cage and if he can stay healthy outside the AKA fighter gets his day.
Bobby Green The “King” may not be very exciting but his wrestling has earned him a 4 fight winning streak and a solid 19-5 record.
Ryan Couture He may not deserve it but daddy gets him in.
Jorge Masvidal ATT’s street fighting “Gamebred” is ever improving and might just surprise some UFC veterans.
KJ Noons I have little desire to see this human garbage make it into the show but he will on his stupid haircut.
Caros Fodor The “Future” is a good nickname for the 28 year old who was riding a 5 fight winning sreak before getting grounded by Healy.
Pat Healy The Team Quest fighter is the #1 contender in Strikeforce and regardless of the outcome, he has earned a shot going 9-1 at this weight class.
Who’s Out
Billy Evangelista The AKA fighter is on the cusp but losing 2 in a row forces him to get some work with Bellator or the like first.
Jorge Gurgel Being Rich Franklin’s best friend won’t work this time as the veteran went 2-3 since leaving the UFC and he just never quite achieved his full potential and its a little late in the day to do it now.
Joe Duarte Yah, no thanks. We got enough similar guys already.
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