Strikeforce: Constructing the Next Card in January

In the past couple months, Strikeforce has been forced to cancel two different cards.The first was a result of Gilbert Melendez, who was in the main event, getting injured.

The second cancellation came as a result of Frank Mir getting injured, which left Daniel Cormier without an opponent. Further than that, Luke Rockhold and Sara McMann also got injured, killing the depth the card already didn't have.

Strikeforce's next event is in January, and all of their remaining stars must come out for the event. For the company to be saved (for the time being), a deep card must be put on.

Here is a hypothetical card that should be made in efforts of drawing attention and viewers.

Jorge Masvidal vs. Ryan Couture

To kick off the card, getting the son of Randy Couture to fight Jorge Masvidal would be a good way to start.

Ryan Couture is young in his career, but he has looked sharp thus far. He has already beaten Ultimate Fighter and Strikeforce veteran Joe Duarte, as well as Conor Heun. 

To get to the next level, he needs to fight a respectable name like Jorge Masvidal. Masvidal is a former title challenger in Strikeforce who has the knockout power to test the young Couture. 

Sara McMann vs. Liz Carmouche

With Strikeforce, a women's bout or two should always be on their cards, as the UFC doesn't promote the females.

Sara McMann is touted as the next big thing in MMA and possibly a threat to Ronda Rousey's title. She first must prove it, and who better to test her skills than the former title challenger and an opponent she was linked to at the cancelled November card in Liz Carmouche.

Carmouche hangs her hat on being a dominant wrestler, much like McMann. It would be a tough fight for both ladies, but it would prove who the more well-rounded fighter is.

Jorge Santiago vs. Bobby Voelker

Jorge Santiago was set to make his welterweight debut against Quinn Mulhern. That was before the card got cancelled.

For me, watching Santiago fight a primary grappler doesn't get me excited. I want to see him slug it out with another striker.

Enter Bobby Voelker. The owner of 15 knockouts, Voelker would be more than willing to trade with the dangerous kickboxer, knowing that Santiago can be knocked out.

This would be a fight-of-the-night contender.

Tim Kennedy vs. Anthony Smith

Continuing on the star-studded prelims, putting Tim Kennedy on the card in a rebound fight against the surging Anthony Smith would be an interesting clash.

Kennedy is coming off his loss to Luke Rockhold for the middleweight title. He was linked to Trevor Smith at the latest card that was cancelled, but I think a different Smith, Anthony, should get an opportunity to fight Kennedy.

Smith is coming off an upset victory over Lumumba Sayers. He put him away with a slick triangle choke, showing he is dangerous off his back.

Kennedy needs to get back on his feet and Smith needs to keep building rep. It is a perfect recipe.

Ronaldo Souza vs. Roger Gracie

This middleweight scrap is a grappling fan's dream, as Roger Gracie and Ronaldo Souza are beasts on the mat.

Gracie is considered the most dangerous submission grappler in the world, while Souza is one of the most feared mixed martial art submission fighters.

I don't know if a grappling match would happen, as both men would be competitive, but whatever happens would be interesting.

Even if the fight wasn't exciting, the matchup would remain intriguing. 

Gegard Mousasi vs. Mike Kyle

Gegard Mousasi hasn't been seen in forever, so it's about time he makes his return on the January card.

He has been linked with Mike Kyle several times, but injuries have scrapped those fights. In attempt to see it again, they should put both men on the card against each other.

Both men are good strikers. That alone makes this fight a potential barn burner.

If Mousasi wants to really show off, he could take the fight down. From there, you could see his vastly underrated ground game.

Gilbert Melendez vs. Pat Healy

Kicking off my supercard dubbed as "Night of Champions," would be a lightweight title fight between champion Gilbert Melendez and "top contender" Pat Healy.

This fight was supposed to happen on the first cancelled card, but Melendez was forced off the card from injury.

Both men are wrestlers. While Healy is more of a grinder, Melendez is well-rounded and could be able to fight off Healy's takedown attempts.

It would be an interesting chess match. The lack of contenders in Strikeforce force this fight, but that doesn't mean Healy doesn't have a chance.

Nate Marquardt vs. Tarec Saffiedine

Newly crowned welterweight king Nate Marquardt should be the next man to defend his title. This would be his first defense, ever since winning the vacant title against Tyron Woodley.

His opponent should be Tarec Saffiedine, a guy who has been running through the competition in Strikeforce (with the exception of Woodley). 

Saffiedine is a striker, as is Marquardt. The difference is that Marquardt is a black belt in Brazilian jiu-jitsu, while Saffiedine is a blue belt.

I still think this would be a striking war, so it could be a fun one.

Luke Rockhold vs. Lorenz Larkin

The next title on the line would be champion Luke Rockhold defending his strap against Lorenz Larkin.

Rockhold was already linked to defending his title against Larkin, so this fight should still happen. Rockhold has looked untouchable since winning the title, but this is an interesting challenge.

Larkin is a power striker that can end the fight with one strike. Rockhold would need to be cautious or he could find himself out cold.

This may not be the best matchup possible for the belt, but it is definitely a match that would draw some attention.

Daniel Cormier vs. Fabricio Werdum

In the main event, heavyweight contender Daniel Cormier should meet crossover UFC fighter and former Strikeforce contender Fabricio Werdum.

With Frank Mir's injury and inability to be ready for Cormier, Werdum is the next best option to step up. He has the ground game to negate Cormier's, while possessing stand up that could challenge the American.

Everyone already wants to crown Cormier, but he needs to continue proving himself. Werdum is the ultimate test of his skills.