With news coming that Californian MMA promotion Strikeforce has acquired Elite XC footage, fighter contracts and most importantly TV deals, I can only think one thing.

This is good for the sport.

And I hope that Strikeforce succeeds where Elite XC failed and Affliction are failing.

Although the UFC has effectively dispatched of Elite XC, and I predict within a few months Affliction, I think Strikeforce has a chance to really excel for a number of reasons.

Fighters

As it stands now, they have the rights to re-negotiate with laid off Elite XC fighters (Slice and Carano among the most well known) whose collective talent pool combined with Strikeforce's stable can create interesting match ups.

TV

Although the UFC is giving away more and more programming on SPIKE TV, this is a channel you still need cable to get. CBS is available with an antenna, and almost every household I can imagine receives it. This increase in exposure can only boost their chances.

Competition

If Strikeforce ends up doing something better than the UFC, the UFC has only two choices. Adapt or risk losing their premier spot atop the MMA heap. As long as those in charge of Strikeforce do not bankrupt the organization, we may be on the verge of the first time an actual viable competitor to the UFC could make national headway.

Reportedly, Strikeforce will run their first card on TV in April. I am sure Dana and his UFC comrades are already counter programming...