Strikeforce 40: Could It Be the Last Hurrah for “Business as Usual”?

On May 19^th, we could all see the end of Strikeforce as we know it.

Strikeforce has announced a staked card that includes the Heavyweight Grand Prix Final, Gilbert Melendez defending his title once again, light heavyweight match-up between Mike Kyle and Rafael Cavalcante and two top Strikeforce lightweights fight in separate bouts in Billy Evangelista and Gesias “JZ” Cavalcante.

Also, Strikeforce could possibly crown a Strikeforce Welterweight champion in a rumored fight between Strikeforce up-and-comer Tyron Woodley and former UFC title contender Nate Marquardt. That’s the best fighter (Melendez) in Strikeforce, the best two (and only) heavyweights, as well as possibly the best two welterweights in Strikeforce.

The only big Strikeforce names not appearing on the card are middleweight fighters Luke Rockhold, Tim Kennedy and Ronaldo Souza, light heavyweight Gegard Mousasi and the top women fighters in the women’s divisions.

When I look at this card, I believe it very well could be the final Zuffa “business as usual” Strikeforce card. I’ve said for awhile that Strikeforce would work best as a feeder league for up-and-comers before they fight on UFC cards. Or, in other words, turn current-day Strikeforce into the UFC version: Challengers.

The fact that Gilbert Melendez isn’t already in the UFC is baffling to me, and even after rumors that a UFC lightweight would be coming over to fight at Strikeforce 40, they turned out to be false and, as reported at the last Strikeforce event, Josh Thomson will get a title shot. In my opinion, the only two things keeping Strikeforce alive is the Heavyweight Grand Prix and the rise of women’s MMA.

The way UFC President Dana White has talked lately about the Grand Prix as well as he’s excitement about the Ronda Rousey-Miesha Tate match-up, I believe Dana, now more than ever, would be open to merging Strikeforce talent into the UFC roster, including the women fighters. So, as UFC action picks back up this weekend, don’t be surprised if you don’t hear a little UFC-Strikeforce merger talk pick-up within the next few weeks.