Paul Daley and 11 Strikeforce Fighters Who Should Be in the UFC

Strikeforce: Tate vs. Rousey takes place this weekend, putting a number of coveted talents on display for Strikeforce.

With the removal of the heavyweight division, in addition to the poaching of past champions Dan Henderson and Nick Diaz, it looks as if Strikeforce is a dying breed.

There are a number of Strikeforce fighters that are ready for the UFC that should be brought over for an even further increase in competition.

Let's take a look at the 11 fighters most ready for the step up.

Gegard Mousasi

Former Strikeforce light heavyweight champion Gegard Mousasi is probably the best light heavyweight talent not in the UFC.

Holding a record of 33-2-3, he has more than enough credentials to challenge top UFC light heavyweights. Twenty-eight of his wins have come by knockout or submission, which is a testament to his skills.

A match with Lyoto Machida would be an awesome first bout for Mousasi, who has the dimensions to make a tough, exciting fight for Machida.

Notable victories: Ovince St. Preaux, Rameau Sokoudjou, Renato Sobral, Mark Hunt, Ronaldo Souza, Melvin Manhoef, Denis Kang, Hector Lombard

Rafael Cavalcante

Another former champion in Strikeforce, Rafael Cavalcante is one of the most lethal strikers in the division.

The Black House product owns a record of 11-3, holding 10 of his wins by knockout. He also has a rarely seen and underrated ground game. Cavalcante could enter the UFC and take on the very best.

An opponent that would make for an exciting greet with Cavalcante would be Stephan Bonnar, who is experienced and dangerous enough to give "Feijao" a run for his money.

Notable victories: Muhammed Lawal, Aaron Rosa, Antwain Britt, Wayne Cole

Muhammed Lawal

Although coming off a failed drug test, King Mo would be an excellent addition to the UFC light heavyweight division.

King Mo's wrestling and improved all-around game could pose a problem for a number of UFC talents. Holding a shallow record of 8-1 (1 NC), Lawal has proven he is able to hang despite his inexperience. Six of his eight wins have come by knockout.

Although it seems the two have mended fences, a King Mo-Rampage Jackson matchup would be a great first bout.

Notable victories: Roger Gracie, Gegard Mousasi, Mike Whitehead, Mark Kerr

Tim Kennedy

Former Army Ranger Tim Kennedy has proven his worth not only as a combat soldier, but as a combat fighter as well.

With a record of 14-3, Kennedy has beat a number of high-level opponents. Twelve of his 14 wins have been finishes, using solid striking and a smothering top game to earn his stoppage victories.

A match between Kennedy and brash Brit Michael Bisping would be a very interesting match. Like a dozen others, Kennedy has voiced his interest in fighting Bisping.

Notable victories: Robbie Lawler, Melvin Manhoef, Trevor Prangley, Jason Miller

Ronaldo Souza

Former Strikeforce middleweight champion Ronaldo Souza is one of the best jiu-jitsu practitioners in the game.

He has a 14-3 (1 NC) record in his career fighting top-notch opponents. "Jacare" has submitted 11 of his opponents, showing off his superior grappling skills.

A showdown with fellow jiu-jitsu ace Demian Maia would be a great match for him to take in the UFC.

Notable victories: Tim Kennedy, Robbie Lawler, Joey Villasenor, Matt Lindland, Jason Miller

Luke Rockhold

An aura of arrogance has seemingly come to the middleweight champion that is Luke Rockhold. The champ his called out a number of UFC talents to come fight him, overlooking opponents like Tim Kennedy.

It cannot be denied that Luke Rockhold is skilled, though, as the American Kickboxing Academy fighter is 9-1 in his career, finishing all but one opponent.

If Rockhold were to test the UFC waters, a fight against Brian Stann would be an exciting, solid test for the current Strikeforce champ.

Notable victories: Keith Jardine, Ronaldo Souza, Jesse Taylor

Paul Daley

Although exiled from the UFC following a post-fight sucker punch on Josh Koscheck, Paul Daley deserves another shot in the UFC due to his skill and fan following, especially in England.

Daley holds a record of 29-11-2 and has improved on his ground game from his UFC days. He holds sickening knockout power, as 20 of his wins are knockouts. Daley has won his last two fights, so if he wins this weekend against Kazuo Misaski, it would be a good idea to bring him back.

A good first match for him in the UFC would be versus Josh Neer, who is not afraid to stand with anybody.

Notable victories: Luigi Fiorvanti, Jordan Radev, Scott Smith, Jorge Masvidal, Dustin Hazelett, Martin Kampmann, Josh Alessio, Duane Ludwig

Nate Marquardt

Although he has not fought since his expulsion from the UFC, Marquardt is still a guy that is a top-notch fighter and could bring diversity to a division dominated by wrestlers.

Marquardt had signed with England's BAMMA, but asked to be released not soon after. He is now with Strikeforce and eying a showdown with Paul Daley for the welterweight crown.

He is 31-10-2 at middleweight, but is now a welterweight. He has finished 23 of his opponents with his arsenal of submission and striking skills.

A great first opponent for Marquardt in the UFC welterweight division would be a guy like Josh Koscheck, who brings wrestling and knockout power.

Notable victories: Dan Miller, Rousimar Palhares, Demian Maia, Martin Kampmann, Jeremy Horn, Dean Lister, Joe Doerksen

Gilbert Melendez

The current Strikeforce lightweight champion is considered by many to be a top-three lightweight in the world, so him wasting his time in Strikeforce needs to come to an end.

Melendez, who trains under Cesar Gracie, holds a 20-2 record. He has never been finished and has finished 12 of his opponents. He has a great all-around game that rivals many in the UFC.

A matchup with Frankie Edgar is a great first fight for Melendez, now that Edgar is not champion. It would be a great display of speed, technique and world-class talent.

Notable victories: Jorge Masvidal, Tatsuya Kawajiri, Shinya Aoki, Josh Thomson, Clay Guida

KJ Noons

KJ Noons is a former Elite XC champion that is constantly challenging himself with good lightweight talent. Why not have him challenge the great lightweight talent of the UFC?

Noons is 11-4 in his tenure as a mixed martial artist, boasting eight wins by way of knockout. His boxing and kickboxing skills are top notch, giving many of his opponents a hard time.

Bringing in Noons to fight a guy like Sam Stout would be fireworks from the get-go. Both men like to slug it out and would be a potential "Fight of the Night" on any card.

Notable victories: Billy Evangelista, Jorge Gurgel, Yves Edwards, Nick Diaz

Caros Fodor

An intriguing prospect that should be given a chance in the big show, Caros Fodor has lived up to his nickname, "The Future."

Fodor is 7-1 and 5-0 in Strikeforce. He has finished five of his seven opponents in his young career.

An intriguing match for his first bout in the UFC could be against a guy like Terry Etim.

Notable victories: Justin Wilcox, James Terry