Strikeforce Heavyweight Tournament: Filling Out a Middleweight Tournament

Strikeforce is set to kick off its highly anticipated Heavyweight Grand Prix. Since heavyweight is clearly Strikeforce's strongest division, it is easy to see why the organization has chosen to hold a tournament at that weight class alone.

Still, it would be interesting to see how Strikeforce would put together tournaments in their other weight classes. While it might not be quite as deep as the heavyweight division, Strikeforce's middleweight division is also competitive enough to support a tournament.

No. 1 Ronaldo Souza vs. No. 8 Scott Smith

Strikeforce middleweight champion Ronaldo "Jacare" Souza would be the obvious pick for the top seed in this tournament. Souza's last lost came in 2008 against Gegard Mousasi, who has since moved to light heavyweight.

There are of number of fighters who could fill the final spot in this tournament. Frank Shamrock might even consider a return if Strikeforce were to offer him a spot in the tournament. After losing to Paul Daley in his welterweight debut, Scott Smith probably wouldn't mind making a return to middleweight.

Out of the active middleweight options under the Strikeforce banner, Smith might be the most well-known fighter with talent to complete the tournament roster—though it probably wouldn't matter who Strikeforce matched Souza with in this first round. Any of the fighters that low on the ladder of Strikeforce middleweights wouldn't stand much of a chance against the champion.

No. 2 Dan Henderson vs. No. 7 Cung Le

While Ronaldo "Jacare" Souza would probably be the No. 1 seed, Dan Henderson might be the favorite to win this tournament. Henderson is currently preparing to fight for the Strikeforce light heavyweight championship, but his interest in competing in the Strikeforce Heavyweight Grand Prix suggests he would willing to compete in this tournament as well.

Strikeforce might have some difficulty convincing Cung Le to participate in a tournament, which would probably require multiple fights in one year. If Strikeforce were able to come to an agreement with Le, a first round matchup with Henderson could draw mainstream interest to an organization that is lacking just that.

No. 3 Jason Miller vs. No. 6 Melvin Manhoef

It would be unthinkable to have a Strikeforce Middleweight Grand Prix without Jason Miller. In addition to being a very good fighter, Miller has the biggest personality in the organization's middleweight division by far. In addition to being at the center of attention outside of the ring, Miller puts on exciting fights as well.

A first round matchup with Melvin Manhoef would be sure to produce drama. Although it doesn't always work out to his advantage, Manhoef's style often produces violent finishes. Manhoef has gone 21 consecutive MMA fights without going to a decision.

No. 4 Tim Kennedy vs. No. 5 Robbie Lawler

Both Tim Kennedy and Robbie Lawler are coming off of losses in championship fights against Ronaldo "Jacare" Souza. Not only does a first round fight between these two fighters make sense based on their skill level, but it could give the winner a rematch with Souza in the semifinals.

Either of these fighters would make for an easier semifinal match for Souza than the favorites of the first round matchups on the other side of the bracket, which is exactly what Strikeforce would be hoping for. Ideally, Souza would meet Dan Henderson in the finals.