The purchase — which sources peg in the $30 million to $60 million range — sent ripples through the industry. After all, fighters, managers, TV outlets and even partner promotions often headed to Strikeforce after falling outs with the UFC. But Zuffa LLC, the UFC’s parent company, now owns both.
However, it won’t mean an immediate merger of talent. The UFC employs about 75 percent of the world’s top fighters. Strikeforce? About 15 percent, including notables Gilbert Melendez and (ex-UFC fighters) Nick Diaz, Dan Henderson and Paul Daley. But White said Strikeforce fighters will fulfill their contracts — most of which are in the one- to five-fight range — in their current home before he’d consider re-signing them to the UFC.
That means no immediate cross-promoted shows, superfights or champion-vs.-champion bouts.
But as we’ve learned in the past, White and Co. are nothing if not flexible.
White, especially, is out to please. While he may come across gruff and authoritarian in his interviews, he actually is quite accommodating. When the media or his 1.3 million-plus Twitter followers disparage a decision — including a heavily panned Brock Lesnar vs. Frank Mir fight — White often reacts quickly.
“I change my mind all the time,” he said after canceling the fight. “If fans don’t want it, I’m not going to force it on them.”
That’s why the UFC-Strikeforce deal could go in a variety of directions. After all, the MMA space constantly evolves; of the UFC’s top six competitors from three years ago, three went bankrupt, and the UFC purchased the other three.
So, as Strikeforce runs through its remaining two years with TV partner Showtime, and as its fighters fulfill their contracts, the space likely will change drastically.
But if fans want a true merger (as the UFC recently did with the WEC), or if they want a true minor league for down-on-their-luck UFC veterans, or if they simply want two organizations with some crossover, White surely will oblige.
The same goes for broadcast deals, the state of Strikeforce’s female fighters, its commentating team, production values and even its overall identity.
Have thoughts on Strikeforce’s future? Let White know. He’s sure to listen.
Dann Stupp is editor-in-chief of MMAjunkie.com, voted best media outlet in the 2008, 2009 and 2010 World MMA Awards. For the latest mixed-martial-arts news, go to MMAjunkie.com.
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