5 Signs the End Is Near for Strikeforce

In 2006, a kickboxing company named Strikeforce became involved in MMA when it put on it’s inaugural show Strikeforce: Shamrock vs. Gracie.

Since then Strikeforce has put on over 50 shows and was the second leading MMA organization in the World.

Zuffa, the parent company of the UFC, bought Strikeforce in March, and many have believed it is only a matter of time before the company shuts down completely.

While Strikeforce has continued to run independently, it may be on it’s last legs.

Here are five signs that the end may be near. 

Fedor Lost His Third Straight

When Fedor Emelianenko signed with Strikeforce back in 2009, many believed he would continue his dominance with the company.

Fedor was one of, if not the biggest name in the company. While Fedor was able to win his first fight against Brett Rodgers, he would lose the next three to Fabrico Werdum, Antonio Silva, and most recently Dan Henderson.

Fedor is an MMA legend and despite his last three fights, his legacy should not be tarnished.

That being said, the Fedor/M1/Strikeforce merger has not worked out like the companies expected. Fedor could now be on the verge of retirement, which would leave Strikeforce down another big star. 

Top Fighters Have Already Made the Jump

First Jake Shields made the jump to the UFC vacating his Strikeforce middleweight title.

Next, his teammate Nick Diaz jumped ship and vacated the welterweight title. Diaz was one of the company’s biggest draws.

Stars like light heavyweight champ Dan Henderson and lightweight champ Gilbert Melendez could be the next ones to move.

While Strikeforce has some great fighters, without big name stars to lead the company they won't appeal to fans.

No TV Deal

April 2010 was the last time Strikeforce was seen on a network tv station.

Since the Nashville Brawl, Strikeforce has only been seen on Showtime. Part of the reason the UFC has become as big as it has is because of its visibility through networks like Spike and Versus.

Bellator’s deal with MTV 2 has also worked out in their favor.

While Strikeforce has had a good run with Showtime, a good tv deal may have helped the company even more. 

Alistair Overeem’s Release

Recently the only heavyweight champion in Strikeforce’s history was cut.

Overeem wanted the company to push the date of their Grand Prix Tournament up so he could heal some from injuries. Yet is suppose to be fighting at another show in October.

The company refused and went on to cut the champ.

Overeem has been champion since 2007, but has only defended the title once. His only other fight with the company was a subpar and odd affair with Fabricio Werdum. 

Overeem was suppose to be another big name to carry the company, but instead he has shown more interest in other places like K1 and Dream. 

Despite being cut, Overeem could possibly be knocking on the UFC's doors in the future. 

The Strikeforce Heavyweight Grand Prix

Since it was first thought up, the Strikeforce heavyweight grand prix has gone through many changes. 

Many thought the heavyweight title should have been on the line. Instead it was a no go. 

Many were also excited about seeing the possible match up between Fedor Emelianenko and then champion Alistair Overeem. Instead, Fedor lost his opening bout to Antonio Silva, and Overeem is no longer with the company. 

While the tournament has had some good matches and memorable moments, it has not lived up to all of the hype. 

Do you think Strikeforce will be around much longer? Share your thoughts.