Threat Level Raised to Orange At the UFC

I reported early yesterday that San Diego-based Strikeforce was buying Pro Elite assets, including fighter contracts, the video library, and the broadcast deals with CBS & Showtime.

While not all of the Elite XC fighters' contracts will be picked up by Strikeforce, the big names have already been confirmed—Kimbo Slice, Gina Carano, Jake Shields, Robbie Lawler, Nick Diaz, and Eddie Alvarez—all reportedly part of the Strikeforce stable.

Up until yesterday, Dana White spoke highly of Strikeforce and owner Scott Coker. It may have been because they were only a regional show, and because Coker flies under the radar—unlike the guys at Affliction or Elite XC. 

Things have probably changed since yesterday because Strikeforce suddenly became a threat to the UFC.

For all the success the UFC has had with pay-per-view and Spike TV events, they haven't come close to the numbers Elite XC and Kimbo Slice provided on CBS. 

Network television is still the peak even with a myriad of other options for viewers.  The NFL, MLB, NBA and NCAA all attract millions of viewers every day with their offerings, and reap the rewards of huge pay days from blue chip advertisers. 

Any MMA promotion company would want a piece of that action.

While Strikeforce has always had good fighters, they can now match up their new stars with their current stars, thus creating some very interesting fights. Also with the fate of Affliction as up in the air as ever, Strikeforce now represents a legitimate alternative to UFC employment. 

Strikeforce's relaxed rules, which allows its fighters to fight overseas or with other promotions, lends itself well to the likes of Fedor Emelianenko, who wants to participate in combat sambo tournaments in his home country. 

Before you scoff at Kimbo Slice fighting on network television again, think about this—Kimbo's drawing power as a co-main event will bring in viewers to watch Fedor Emelianenko fighting Alistair Overeem for the Strikeforce heavyweight championship.

Maybe the threat level should be elevated to red.