Strikeforce Grand Prix: Reasons Why Strikeforce Will Make Up Ground vs. the UFC

After Strikforce's acquisition of Fedor Emelianenko in 2009, many MMA fans have been divided in their opinions regarding who has the best heavyweight roster.

After Fedor's shocking loss to Fabricio Werdum in 2010, it would appear that the UFC has the better heavyweight stable. However, I believe that the Strikeforce will have won a lot more fans over by the time its Grand Prix has come to an end.

Ladies and gentlemen, I now present you with the 10 reasons why this tournament will help Strikeforce make up ground against the UFC.

Fedor Emelianenko

Honestly, I don't think Fabricio Werdum's victory over "The Last Emperor" has done much to damage the Russian's drawing power. In my opinion, Fedor is still a huge draw and whenever he fights, you can guarantee that most of the MMA community is watching him.

Some of the Top Heavyweights are Fighting Each Other

Out of the eight contestants in the tournament, four of them are present in Sherdog's top 10 heavyweight rankings. They are: Fabricio Werdum at No. 3, Fedor Emelianenko at No. 4, Alistair Overeem at No. 8 and Antonio Silva at No. 10.

The tournament will allow the fans to see the best fighting the best.

It's Free

Many fans complain about the price of UFC pay-per-views. With Strikeforce, they'll be able to watch some of the top heavyweights in MMA fight each other, without breaking the bank.

UFC Heavweight Divison is in Limbo

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As most of you already know, UFC champion Cain Velasquez won't be competing for some time, due to injury.

With him out of the picture, the winner of this tournament could possibly steal his spot as the No. 1 heavyweight in the world.

Exciting Fights for the Fans

MMA fans can anticipate a high number of finishes in this tournament, due to the fact that none of the fighters in the Grand Prix have much history of going to the judges' scorecards.

Possibility of Fedor vs. Overeem Superfight

In my opinion, this is the most anticipated fight outside of the UFC.

After Fedor lost to Werdum, negotiations for a fight against Overeem have continued to slip. However, if each man wins his respective quarterfinal matchup, then this fight is pretty much inevitable.

Furthermore, this match would be a huge draw, if Strikeforce ever decides to do a pay-per-view.

People See Scott Coker as a Fan

Let's be honest: Dana White isn't exactly the most popular guy in MMA. This is probably due to the fact he is very vocal and outspoken with his opinions.

Furthermore, although you could argue that the Strikeforce Grand Prix doesn't make too much sense, Coker's mentality concerning the fans is in the right place. He has given fans the opportunity to watch a range of potentially thrilling matchups, involving some of the top fighters in the sport.

Not to mention that he has also given people the opportunity to meet the tournament's participants in the recent Strikeforce fan experience.

We Could See Fedor Avenge His Loss to Werdum

If Fedor and Werdum win their quarterfinal matchups, then I think this is the next best thing to Fedor vs. Overeem.

Ever since Werdum submitted "The Last Emperor," a rematch has been highly anticipated, and would also be a huge draw for Strikeforce.

Pay-Per-View

Although Strikeforce may be free to watch for the time being, Scott Coker has recently expressed his interest in doing a pay-per-view later on this year.

Fights such as Fedor vs. Overeem or Fedor vs. Werdum are potentially huge draws, so it would be a mistake not to air them on pay-per-view.

Strikeforce Could Claim To Have the Best Heavyweight Roster

If the Grand Prix is a success, then not only would it boost Scott Coker's credibility as one of the top fight promoters, it would also help Strikeforce make those one or two steps in being able to able to boast the best heavyweight stable in any MMA promotion.