Could a Little "Hollywood" and Some "Heat" Push Strikeforce in 2010?

When well-known free agents like Dan Henderson and Karo Parisyan hit the open market at the same time, a fledgling company could roll the dice and go for its next step forward.

It could be a dangerous move, but Strikeforce can make some waves by signing Henderson and Parisyan.

Given the age of Dan Henderson (not that it’s really shown) and the unpredictability of Karo Parisyan, signing these two right now could turn out to be a step in the right direction, a huge disappointment—should Henderson come in and lose right away and Parysian, well does what Parisyan does – or a one’s good and one’s not deal.

In the world of free agents, these two are possibly the equivalent to Matt Holliday and Jason Bay. Neither Henderson nor Parisyan will get contracts worth $180 million, but both should receive more than healthy compensation for their services.

Parisyan’s best bet is with Strikeforce. After Dana White’s “subtle” tweet, we know he wouldn’t even be hired by the UFC to clean blood of the Bud Light logo.

It would be in Strikeforce’s best interest to make this pick up as well. Its welterweight division has some depth, but Parisyan could legitimize it some more. Marius Zaromskis, Parisyan, Jay Hieron, Joe Riggs and the occasional Jake Shields could make for some interesting matchups.

Remember Parisyan’s split decision win over the cannabis kid, Nick Diaz?

That’s rematch that a lot of people could enjoy. Both fighters hold nothing back during interviews, or in the ring. The chirping in the ring before, during and after the 14 oz. bullets fly would be more than entertaining. What is possible a given is that if Parisyan wins it’s a decision, he’s only stopped one fighter since 2003. If Diaz emerges the victor, expect someone to get flipped off after an exciting fight.

However, based on history, this fight could very well be scheduled and Parisyan unexpectedly pulls out. It’s happened before, yesterday to be exact.

This is where Strikeforce has the problem. If the company signs Parisyan, it’s watching a wrench teetering on plank, wondering when that wrench is going to fall into the organizations gears. Things could go well for two fights and then that wrench falls, and not being the UFC, Strikeforce can’t afford to remain a player if a fight is hyped to the point of no return and then falls through.

Risk vs. reward might be the only fight that organizations tie to Parisyan for a long time.

On the other hand, Henderson is the much safer, more expensive, better drawing investment.

Yes he’s on the wrong side of 39, but it hasn’t been apparent. He doesn’t look as though he’s ready to stop and he can still throw that mean overhand right, or use his grappling if he sees fit.

Does Henderson fit in Strikeforce? Sure.

Both of his divisions (MW and LHW) have some interesting fights. Shields at middleweight, Gegard Mousasi at light heavyweight, Renato Sobral, Ronaldo Souza, Robbi Lawler, even Diaz.

I would pay for any one of those fights over watching two senior citizens wrestle to determine the end of festivus (that’s UFC 109 by the way).

Henderson doesn’t have a history of injuries and hasn’t gained a reputation of pulling out of fights. He also always shows up in shape, great cardio and a smart game plan. He’s as game a fighter as there are, so he’s likely to provide a good return on Strikeforce’s investment, should they sign him.

The only problem in this scenario is if he beats Mousasi upon arriving. Strikeforce needs some time to build a stronger light heavyweight division before unleashing Henderson upon it. Then again, he’s probably happier to stay at middleweight anyways, which in terms of fights is better for both the fighter and the organization.

There’s not much Strikeforce has to lose with two very recognizable names in the U.S., but a lot damage could be done should Henderson begin to show his age and Parisyan continues his trend while on a growing company’s roster.