Strikeforce

Former Strikeforce lightweight champion Gilbert Melendez is finally getting his wish. Unable to defend his title at last weekend’s final Strikeforce event due to injury, Melendez instead will get an immediate title shot against UFC lightweight champion Benson Henderson.

Well the end came for the once #2 MMA promotion this weekend with Saturday’s Strikeforce: Marquardt vs. Saffiedine. The event saw a new middleweight champion get crowned, while showcasing several fighters that will now make the switch over to the UFC. Speaking of #2 MMA promotion, Bellator will be making their debut on Spike TV this coming week on a brand new night (Thursday).

While the majority of the fights on last night's Strikeforce: Marquardt vs. Saffiedine card appeared one-sided on paper, the middleweight bout between Tim Kennedy and Trevor Smith wasn't one of them. Sure Kennedy had the name recognition and betting line behind him but his opponent was not push over and he proved that during their bout.

The final Strikeforce event started off without any big surprises but would end with a new welterweight champion being crowned. The promotion last upset saw Tarec Saffiedine grind and leg kick his way to a unanimous decision over champion Nate Marquardt.

As the finals days dwindle for Strikeforce, you cannot help but head down memory lane. We've already taken a look at the future and the present so now it’s time to past of Strikeforce and what they did good, bad and the things we all want to forget.

With Strikefore coming to an end this weekend, heavyweight sensation and grand prix winner Daniel Cormier will be adding absolutely nothing to his career by facing Dion Staring during its farewell event' co-main event.

It was fun while it lasted! While I'm sad to see Strikeforce ride off into the sunset, I'm happy to see they managed to hold their final card together long enough to give everyone a great send-off. With the winners being assured a place in the UFC, we can expect some tooth-and-nail encounters on Saturday.

The time has come to say goodbye to the former #2 MMA promotion in the US this Saturday as the promotion holds their final event, Strikeforce: Marquardt vs. Saffiedine. When first announced this final event was to be a night of champions, a way to go out with a bang. The end result though albeit is still pretty stacked, lacks the championship bouts it once thought to have.