Zuffa purchases Strikeforce

unknown13

This is true. Ariel Hewani has just posted it on his twitter. Now Zuffa have serious control on the World Market

Source

That_Guy

Not sure I like this to be honest.

dave1982

THE REEM IN THE UFC:D:D:D:D:D:D:D

Professey Chin

Babble wubbly moogy moogy wha?

Im not liking this that much at all


Looks like a WEC style thing for the moment so no complaints just yet

drayme

lol

The "purists" are going to have a meltdown.

That_Guy

What's gonna happen with the Strikeforce heavyweight tournament and will I get my money back from Primetime having bought the events?

JohnMc1

That_Guy wrote: »

Not sure I like this to be honest.

I agree. I don't really like the idea of one company [Zuffa] owning just about every MMA league worth a damn. I like Strikeforce and I'll hate to see Strikeforce disappear [Dana claims SF will be run seperately but he said that about PRIDE and we all know how that turned out]

Professey Chin

Nothings gonna happen for a couple years at least.Too many contracts in place with Showtime, M1, Different camps,sponsors, fighters. Just gives Zuffa time to plot

Professey Chin

JohnMc1 wrote: »

he said that about PRIDE and we all know how that turned out]

Pride was very different.Theyd lost their TV deal, were losing money badly and nobody wanted anything to do with them cause of the Yakuza links.

drayme

This is more like WWF purchase of WCW than UFC's purchase of PRIDE.

Hail 2 Da Thief

This sucks if true! Monopolies only benefit those in control. Competion in the industry would prove more beneficial for the sport, fighters & fans alike.

Professey Chin

.UFC purchasing Pride was closer to WWF & WCW. WCW were in a horrible position financially, losing tv deals, losing sponsors. Strikeforce is pretty sound when it comes to money and wernt looking to sell.Looks like a pretty aggressive takeover really.

Id say the video library is a big part.Especially since all they have to highlight Shields without it is the Kampmann fight :pac:

drayme

Ultimate Chin wrote: »

.UFC purchasing Pride was closer to WWF & WCW. WCW were in a horrible position financially, losing tv deals, losing sponsors. Strikeforce is pretty sound when it comes to money and wernt looking to sell.Looks like a pretty aggressive takeover really.

Id say the video library is a big part.Especially since all they have to highlight Shields without it is the Kampmann fight :pac:

Doesnt this make Fedor Jeff Jarrett?

Anyway I wonder what Henderson thinks of this leaving Zuffa and being Strikeforce champion.

Denners

UFC is crushing MMA worldwide. Within 7 months both WEC and Strikeforce have seized existing as organisations, not good for breakthrough fighters or the worldwide audience.

dave1982

Every org the UFC bought is shut down.Strike force will be no different in time.

Hail 2 Da Thief

Ultimate Chin wrote: »

Looks like a pretty aggressive takeover really.

Very much so!
Zuffa are probably worried that a company/individual with alot of cash may invest in Strikeforce & create a genuine rival to the UFC.
This is just a case of wiping out the competion rather than investing in something that adds to their product!

MrStuffins

I like this! To be honest, the Strikeforce events were a lot of spectacle, a couple of meaningful fights here and there and some dreadful commentary!

Both organizations are going to run seperately, but no doubt now we will see just how good the SF guys are. We'll see UFC returns for Diaz and Werdum and rest of the top guys in my opinion.

Also, since SF have a deal with DREAM, we will see a lot of the Japanese fighters some across too.

I think this is really good! Anyone who thinks seeing all of the best fighters in the world fight each other is a bad thing needs their head tested!

drayme

MrStuffins wrote: »

I think this is really good! Anyone who thinks seeing all of the best fighters in the world fight each other is a bad thing needs their head tested!

Not sure that Fedor and Barnett will be doing that with Zuffa

MrStuffins

drayme wrote: »

Not sure that Fedor and Barnett will be doing that with Zuffa

Barnett, no. But perhaps Fedor! Because in fairness, there's nowhere else for him to go! He might just fight on M1 cards or some sh*t, but if we wants to be earning money, UFC is the only place left to go!

Opinicus

It would be awesome if once a year or once every two years you had all the UFC champs face off against the Strikeforce champs with winners being declared Undisputed world champs or something. That would be a real spectacle.

MrStuffins

i reckon Paul Daley just soiled himself!

GTR63

Not liking this so far more questions than answers at the moment.Just thought there goes the next EA MMA game unless they ask everyone who bought it to appear in the next game with Randy Couture & a out in the cold Paul Daley.

Mr. Loverman

"I've never had a bad thing to say about Scott Coker".

Ehh... that's not my recollection of your interviews Dana.

JohnMc1

MrStuffins wrote: »

i reckon Paul Daley just soiled himself!

He was on the UG and BAMMA Facebook page wondering how this will effect him since Dana said he will never fight in the UFC again. Plus Daley was also saying he didn't want to make Zuffa any money with the anticipated match with Nick Diaz.

MrStuffins

JohnMc1 wrote: »

He was on the UG and BAMMA Facebook page wondering how this will effect him since Dana said he will never fight in the UFC again. Plus Daley was also saying he didn't want to make Zuffa any money with the anticipated match with Nick Diaz.

No skin of Diaz's nose, he can go fight the winner of Fitch v Penn for the UFC belt while Daley goes and fights for BAMMA or some sh*t!

JohnMc1

MrStuffins wrote: »

No skin of Diaz's nose, he can go fight the winner of Fitch v Penn for the UFC belt while Daley goes and fights for BAMMA or some sh*t!

Agreed. Daley has alot more to lose if the fight doesn't happen than Nick. Even though Dana said they would be keeping the brands seperate I wouldn't be surprised if we see SF champs vs UFC champs before the year is over.

Yeah Daley better get comfortable fighting outside America. He'll probably join Bellator or something. This is great for the Strikeforce champs, they have a great case for no.1 contendership. Imagine Melendez V Edgar/Maynard and Diaz V Penn/Fitch, Jacare V A.Silva, Hendo V Shogun/Bones, The Reem V Velasquez/Lesnar/Dos Santos. Some awesome fights in this. The best fighters in the world fighting each other, nobody loses......*
















*except showtime

chopperbyrne

This could really make the UFC quite competitive in all their divisions, assuming they move the top SF talent to the UFC and then use SF as a feeder promotion for the UFC.

Wonder will they keep the womens division, given their previous stance on it.

Fozzy

Can't really say if it's good or bad yet. They say that Strikeforce will be run as a separate company and I'm sure Zuffa can improve the business end of Strikeforce a bit. I heard something recently about them only having a few office staff and none were experienced in business, basically just MMA fans out of college

UFC will be promoting Strikeforce events on their shows, which could cause some confusion to fans and water-down the titles. "The other middleweight champion will be fighting next month"

They'll be keeping the women's division for now since there are women under contract, they might decide to get rid of them once their contracts are expired

Mr. Loverman wrote: »

"I've never had a bad thing to say about Scott Coker".

Ehh... that's not my recollection of your interviews Dana.

What has he ever said about Scott Coker? I remember him laughing at Coker comparing himself to Bob Arum but he usually says that he's got no problem with Coker, just with Showtime

seadnamac

If they improve SF's truly ****ty production values and actually make it enjoyable to watch again then I'm all for it. Who the hell are the people who over rate everyone not in the UFC going to over rate now??

Fozzy

seadnamac wrote: »

If they improve SF's truly ****ty production values and actually make it enjoyable to watch again then I'm all for it. Who the hell are the people who over rate everyone not in the UFC going to over rate now??

I would think that Showtime will still be handling the production end. It sounds like the only differences right now will be more finances, a better office situation and more advertising opportunities

Dave Meltzer on Wrestling Observer Radio said that he was thinking that Fedor's contract might have played a big part in this because they were spending a lot of money on him that they didn't have

Denners

Fozzy wrote: »

What has he ever said about Scott Coker? I remember him laughing at Coker comparing himself to Bob Arum but he usually says that he's got no problem with Coker, just with Showtime

I remember when Hendo was negotiating with SF Dana was in the same restaurant and when asked did he say hi, he said he did to Dans manager but not to Coker because he is f*****g dick or something to that effect.

Minstrel27

I am not happy about this at all. :mad:

Fozzy

Denners wrote: »

I remember when Hendo was negotiating with SF Dana was in the same restaurant and when asked did he say hi, he said he did to Dans manager but not to Coker because he is f*****g dick or something to that effect.

I can't find anything about Dana saying anything bad about seeing them in the restaurant apart from him calling Dan ugly :pac: He's often said that he has no problem with Coker, it's not something new

Mr. Loverman

Fozzy wrote: »

What has he ever said about Scott Coker? I remember him laughing at Coker comparing himself to Bob Arum but he usually says that he's got no problem with Coker, just with Showtime

I vaguely remember him talking about what a joke he is. Can't remember where I saw it.

enfant terrible

Deleted User wrote: »

Yeah Daley better get comfortable fighting outside America. He'll probably join Bellator or something. This is great for the Strikeforce champs, they have a great case for no.1 contendership. Imagine Melendez V Edgar/Maynard and Diaz V Penn/Fitch, Jacare V A.Silva, Hendo V Shogun/Bones, The Reem V Velasquez/Lesnar/Dos Santos. Some awesome fights in this. The best fighters in the world fighting each other, nobody loses......*
















*except showtime

I think its good for us fans but not the top fighters.

Now at the end of their contracts they have the choice to negotiate between Strikeforce and the UFC both owned by Zuffa.

Henderson got his big contract just in time.

Professey Chin

Hendo only has 1 fight left on his contract though

unknown13

The more I think about the more I approve this purchase by Zuffa. The reason I approve this is because if Zuffa do what they say they intend on doing with Strikeforce by keeping them operational and having them on Showtime. It means that there is two healthy promotions that are competing against each other to put on decent shows. Yes, they are under the same company but the fact that Zuffa now offer variety is decent move. It also means that Strikeforce's financial future is very safe providing Zuffa don't do something unbelievably stupid.

One thing people have to realise is that Tito and Dana made up after war, which was apparently very serious and personal. Hendo and Dana don't seem to have beef on that big of a scale compared to Tito and Dana. If Hendo keeps winning the way, he is and his contract comes up for renewal we could see Hendo back in the UFC. Saying that I don't think Paul Daley will be in the UFC again. He hates Zuffa with a passion and yes, what he did was totally wrong. There seems to be pretty bad blood between Daley and Dana.

One thing I hope that happens with this takeover, is that Rogan & Goldie take over commentary for Strikeforce because Strikeforce's commentators are bloody annoying (bare Miletech), especially Ranello.

MrStuffins

unknown13 wrote: »

One thing I hope that happens with this takeover, is that Rogan & Goldie take over commentary for Strikeforce because Strikeforce's commentators are bloody annoying (bare Miletech), especially Ranello.

Bas & The Voice FTW!!!

Zero-Cool

Crazy news. Will be keeping an ear open for any news on this as details are very vague but I'd say it will be a good thing for the (good) fighters anyway as Zuffa should be either bringing them into UFC or improve the production values of SF. Would be mental to see integrated like WEC, would be adding some great match ups.

seadnamac

unknown13 wrote: »

The more I think about the more I approve this purchase by Zuffa. The reason I approve this is because if Zuffa do what they say they intend on doing with Strikeforce by keeping them operational and having them on Showtime. It means that there is two healthy promotions that are competing against each other to put on decent shows. Yes, they are under the same company but the fact that Zuffa now offer variety is decent move. It also means that Strikeforce's financial future is very safe providing Zuffa don't do something unbelievably stupid.

One thing people have to realise is that Tito and Dana made up after war, which was apparently very serious and personal. Hendo and Dana don't seem to have beef on that big of a scale compared to Tito and Dana. If Hendo keeps winning the way, he is and his contract comes up for renewal we could see Hendo back in the UFC. Saying that I don't think Paul Daley will be in the UFC again. He hates Zuffa with a passion and yes, what he did was totally wrong. There seems to be pretty bad blood between Daley and Dana.

One thing I hope that happens with this takeover, is that Rogan & Goldie take over commentary for Strikeforce because Strikeforce's commentators are bloody annoying (bare Miletech), especially Ranello.

The only reason Zuffa will continue to run SF seperately is because of all the different deals and contracts that are in place for the next few years. Make no mistake, when these deals run out SF will folded into the UFC.

Fromvert

seadnamac wrote: »

The only reason Zuffa will continue to run SF seperately is because of all the different deals and contracts that are in place for the next few years. Make no mistake, when these deals run out SF will folded into the UFC.

Would think the same as this.

Daley not too happy

http://www.bjpenn.com/profiles/blogs/paul-daley-threatening-to-pull

Niall0

MrStuffins wrote: »

Bas & The Voice FTW!!!

Frank Shamrock is the most annoying commentator, Mauro is ok Bas and the Voice were awesome together, Bas the voice and Miletich/Mauro would be a good combination.
Anyone see Shark Fights with Bas and Don Frye commentating that was hilarious.

scudzilla

Fromvert wrote: »

Would think the same as this.

Daley not too happy

http://www.bjpenn.com/profiles/blogs/paul-daley-threatening-to-pull

Ah well, he made his bed, he'd better get used to lyin in it

cowzerp

The reason why Zuffa are destroying these competitors is simple, by been the only big show on the block they can pay low money to there fighters,by buying these there going to save on money in the long term in wages due to not needing to compete with other organisations, this is not good for MMA as a whole and only good for the UFC, MMA as a whole suffers because the monopoly just like in any industry would, competition is always a good thing.

Many talented fighters will never be seen due to this sort of aggressive business.

seadnamac

cowzerp wrote: »

The reason why Zuffa are destroying these competitors is simple, by been the only big show on the block they can pay low money to there fighters,by buying these there going to save on money in the long term in wages due to not needing to compete with other organisations, this is not good for MMA as a whole and only good for the UFC, MMA as a whole suffers because the monopoly just like in any industry would, competition is always a good thing.

Many talented fighters will never be seen due to this sort of aggressive business.

That could definitely turn out to be the case but on the other hand, if Zuffa employs the vast majority of the top level MMA fighters in the world then we are going to see the best fighters fight the best fighters all the time whether they like it or not. Give me that rather than the fiascos you see when it comes to match making in boxing any day.

Bad for the fighters when it comes to contracts and freedom definitely but could turn out to be great for the fans.

MrStuffins

cowzerp wrote: »

The reason why Zuffa are destroying these competitors is simple, by been the only big show on the block they can pay low money to there fighters,by buying these there going to save on money in the long term in wages due to not needing to compete with other organisations

I completely disagree with this.

The have done this deal for a few reasons:

Because Strikeforce were gaining momentum (despite losing money)

Because Pro Elite Inc. were about to step in and buy them.

Because Strikeforce have a number of very valuable assets, not least their fighters!

I sincerely doubt they bought SF so they could pay their fighters less!

JohnMc1

unknown13 wrote: »

One thing I hope that happens with this takeover, is that Rogan & Goldie take over commentary for Strikeforce

God No. Rogan and Goldberg are worn out.

seadnamac

MrStuffins wrote: »

I completely disagree with this.

The have done this deal for a few reasons:

Because Strikeforce were gaining momentum (despite losing money)

Because Pro Elite Inc. were about to step in and buy them.

Because Strikeforce have a number of very valuable assets, not least their fighters!

I sincerely doubt they bought SF so they could pay their fighters less!

It will be a nice little conseqeunce though as it will impact the negotiating power that fighters have. Although I agree that to suggest that it is the only reason behind the deal is a bit misguided.

Sid_Justice

Like dana repeatedly says "it's business as usual" and coker and white will be competiting for fighters.

but let's say there is an unsigned high value asset, let's say Gunnar Nelson in a few years. I can't really imagine the negotiations going like this:

UFC offered 20k per fight, strikeforce offered 30k, I want ufc to match that.

Or on a bigger scale with Aoki or someone, White will know exactly how high strikeforce can realistically bid, so he'll have more power to get his best deal.

Ultimately i think ufc have further secured their position as in control of how much money people will be paid at the highest level of this sport.

MrStuffins

seadnamac wrote: »

It will be a nice little conseqeunce though as it will impact the negotiating power that fighters have. Although I agree that to suggest that it is the only reason behind the deal is a bit misguided.

In fairness, there hasn't been a proper rival to UFC since Pride. I'm pretty sure that not many fighters who signed with SF were negotiating with UFC.

If these fighters wanna become the best, UFC is where to be. Like most footballers would take a paycut to play in the Champions League rather than in the Cup-Winners-Europa-Toto League Cup!