The Potential Strikeforce Invasion
News broke recently that Strikeforce may finally be coming to an end. With their last two fight cards being cancelled, things have not looked promising for the once proud promotion. Though there has been no official announcement from Zuffa, Strikeforce fighters seem to believe that is only a matter of time before they make their way to the octagon.
Now, the bigger question is who from Strikeforce’s ranks will be coming to the UFC. Ronda Rousey and Meisha Tate seemed to have hinted that they will be making their way over.
That leaves 66 male fighters according to Strikeforce’s website. The site may not be accurate though as J.Z. Cavalcante is still listed. Nonetheless, here are my guesses as to who will transition over.
Lightweight Division
Gilbert Melendez – About time!
Josh Thomson
Pat Healy
Jorge Masvidal
Mizuto Hirota
K.J. Noons
Caros Fodor
Adriano Martins – Hasn’t fought yet for Strikeforce, but he should make his way over.
Isaac Vallie-Flagg
Bobby Green
Ryan Couture – May be sneaking in due to his last name, but he has shown some promise as of late.
Welterweight Division
Nate Marquardt – It looks as if time has helped heal the 2011 debacle.
Tyron Woodley
Jorge Santiago – Recently cut by the UFC for the second time, but he should be given a shot now that he dropped down to WW.
Tarec Saffiedine
Jason High
Jordan Mein
Middleweight Division
Luke Rockhold
Ronaldo Souza
Tim Kennedy
Lorenz Larkin
Robbie Lawler – About time we saw Lawler back in the UFC. Hopefully, he is motivated. Leben vs. Lawler, book it!
Roger Gracie
Derek Brunson – 2 fight losing streak, though his decision loss to Kendall Grove was questionable. Was about to be selected for the upcoming season of TUF.
Adlan Amagov – Brutal KO power
Anthony Smith – Tall and lanky, Smith just submitted Lumumba Sayers and may be given a look.
Light Heavyweight Division
Rafael Cavalcante
Gegard Mousasi
Ovince St.Preux
Gian Villante – Solid wrestler that has won 3 straight fights.
Guto Inocente – One of the most underrated striking talents in the world right now.
Dion Staring – May sneak in due to stepping up and accepting a fight with HW Daniel Cormier
Heavyweight Division
Daniel Cormier – May drop down to LHW where he has the skills to unseat reigning UFC champion Jon Jones
Josh Barnett – This is a big question mark. Barnett has had his run-ins with the UFC and athletic commissions.
Left out:
Justin Wilcox – Back to back losses do not bode well for the former bodybuilder.
Jorge Gurgel – Always entertaining, but the UFC released him in 2008 and he has gone 2-3 since.
Billy Evangelista – He’s exciting, but unless he drops down to FW, he likely won’t make the cut.
Kazuo Misaki – Announced that he will be retiring later this year. Maybe a possible UFC debut will change his mind.
Quinn Mulhern – Solid grappler, but the WW division is just too deep.
Bobby Voelker – Their trilogy was memorable, but they have not proven their talent against top tier competition.
Lumumba Sayers – Big KO power, but his grappling needs work.
Benji Radach & Yance Medeiros – They haven’t fought in over 2 years.
Keith Jardine – I doubt the UFC wants him back without some type of winning streak to prove he can overcome his chin issues.
Mike Kyle – He has turned his career around, but he’s 1-2 in his last 3 fights.
Yoel Romero – What happened to the over-hyped prospect? Hopefully working on his striking, but he is unlikely to make his way to the UFC though the LHW division is hungry for new talent.
