UFC Veterans that could give Strikeforce a Boost
As the current Zuffa roster changes with additions and deletions of fighters, the one time big names (Arlovski, Pulver, Henderson) have gone on to fight for smaller promotions and find success there. Right now there are men under contract who have underperformed or just cannot hang with the world-class level most of the fighters in the UFC bring into the octagon. Instead of subjecting those to a smaller pay for lesser known venues, here are a few examples of fighters that could go to Strikeforce and find success while helping re-build the promotion as its own force.
RICH FRANKLIN: As the former middleweight champion who was moving up fast in the ranks until Anderson Silva stopped his train, “Ace” has been one of the fighters to always go in and fight his fight, no matter what the outcome. While he is not on a losing streak in the UFC, he has flip-flopped over the last few years which has seen him fight at 185, 195 and 205. Moving into a permanent division against younger blood could jumpstart his career and finds him on another win streak
SHANE CARWIN: There are some guys who we would like to think are unstoppable but prove us all wrong. After dropping two straight fights, the Grudge MMA fighter is looking close to a pink slip depending on the circumstances of the next fight. Moving into Strikeforce would still have him against world-class heavyweights like: Josh Barnett, Fabricio Werdum, Daniel Cormier and others.
TITO ORTIZ: As much as we like the new Tito and he was on a quick comeback, his best days could be behind him. Dropping into Strikeforce will give him serious fights in opponents like Mo Lawal, Rafael Cavalcante or Ovince St Preux. A win against any of these men would help him back on the right track, where a loss would see him again as someone’s stepping stone.
JOE LAUZON: Another talented fighter who is not in line for termination or demotion but his talent could be utilized to build a promotion when they need him the most. If he is able to get past Guillard at UFC 136, then perhaps Guillard should make the drop. Either way, adding one of these two to a decent lightweight roster would boost stock and challenge the 155 lb division currently ruled by Gilbert Melendez
MATT BROWN, DAN HARDY, MARTIN KAMPMANN & AMIR SADOLLAH: The current welterweight division of Strikeforce is extremely depleted of top competition and is lopsided. Having champion Nick Diaz vacate the title to join UFC, it leaves Paul Daley, Tyron Woodley and a handful of guys to continually fight for title rights. Adding these four, who have all been successful and capable to fight in the big leagues would breathe fresh air into a struggling class.
These are just a few names that come to mind; let us know who you think would be a good fit to move over to Strikeforce.
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Category: Exclusive, Featured, MMA, Opinion, Strikeforce, UFC
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