Showtime has announced a heavyweight tournament! It is formally announced as the Strikeforce Heavyweight World Grand Prix.
It kicks off on February 12th with two of the first round matches taking place in the IZOD center. Ex UFC champion Andrei Arlovski (15-8) takes on Sergei Kharitonov (16-4). On the other side of the draw, Fedor Emelianenko (31-2) clashes with Antonio Silva (15-2).
There are great match ups in this tournament with perhaps the deepest heavyweight tournament in MMA history. The tournament boasts two ex-UFC champions in Josh Barnett and Arlovski, reigning Strikeforce Heavyweight Champion (as well as K-1 and Dream champion) Alistair Overeem, Fedor, and the Fedor slayer Fabricio Werdum.
This may be the only weight division that Strikeforce has a realistic chance to compete with the UFC and they are showing it in dramatic fashion.
With a closer look at the brackets, Fedor will be either fighting Overeem or have a rematch with Werdum if he gets through the first round. The Overeem Fedor match has been something that MMA fans around the world have been asking for and we will finally have a chance to see it. Personally I thought that Overeem and Fedor deserved to be on other sides of the draw.
However, this should not take away from the promise of great heavyweight MMA action for the remainder of the tournament. Props to CEO Scott Coker for putting together such an amazing tournament.
Schedule:
Feb 12 - Fedor V Silva, Overeem V Werdum
April - Barnett V Rogers, Arlovski V Kharitonov
I read that Fedor only has 1 fight left on his contract with Strikeforce and Overeem with 2 or 3 left on his with no intention to resign. Maybe thats why they are on the same side of the bracket.
ReplyDeleteThat might be true, smart move buy Coker because if they win they're obligated to stay, prolonging their career in Strikeforce atleast until their winning ways are over in the tournament. The reason Overeem and Fedor are 1 fight away from each other might be to raise the probability this dream match up will happen. Putting them on opposite sides might end up disappointing the fans if anything were to happen to either fighter. (like fedor getting caught in a triangle =P) Though there are plenty of match ups fans want to see, I'm pretty sure Fedor Overeem is their top pick.
ReplyDeleteSo the Strikeforce belt will be on the line every fight. Title fights 5 rounds, others 3. Bracket makes more sense now.
ReplyDeleteActually, Fedor just said that he has a new 4 fight deal with Strikeforce. Plus, him and his handlers apparently aren't worried about Overeem at all (I think that may be a SLIGHT oversight).
ReplyDelete4 fights will allow him to win the tournament and defend the belt once.
Interesting...