Here are some more fighter's responses to the purchase:Matt Hughes – “I’m not real surprised with this because I feel the UFC needs some type of a feeder program. A place where if a UFC fighter got a couple losses, they would move down to this lower tier and still have a place to compete and make money. A lot like what they did with the WEC. So it will be very interesting to see what the UFC does with Strikeforce and how the UFC does at building the organization up. The UFC got where it’s at today because they are smart people, no one in MMA can deny that.”
Dan "The Beast" Severn – "I'm hoping the contracts in place with Strikeforce will play out. It would be interesting to see Hershel Walker, Bobby Lashley and Batista in the UFC."
Elvis Sinosic – “I think this is a good move for the UFC. Whether it is good for MMA in the long run will be seen and decided by the fans.
I think they will most likely keep Strikeforce for the Showtime/CBS connection. At least until their other TV contracts expire. I'm sure they have some exclusive contracts and are limited to how much UFC they can show elsewhere. So by showing Strikeforce they won't be causing any UFC problems. Though in a couple of years they'll most likely be the sole MMA Brand on the market and will be able to merge and starting negotiating all contracts in their favor.
I also think it’s an opportunity for Zuffa to deal with a major Network station (CBS & Showtime) without compromising the UFC. They can work it out with Showtime so when they finally put UFC on a major Network station they'll have the working experience and knowledge behind them. Also being the premier and sole MMA brand recognized by the market won’t hurt either.
It will give them control of all the major MMA players. Then in the future they will no doubt assimilate and have the sole super brand... UFC. The UFC have absorbed WFA, Pride, WEC, Affliction and now Strikeforce. They are showing that they ARE the premier MMA brand. If they hadn't been screwed by Pride I wouldn't have been surprised to see them buy out K1/Dream. Though with their previous experience of buying a Japanese promotion I doubt they'd do it unless they just wanted to prove a point.
Will be interested to see how the Strikeforce-Dream co promotions go from here. From what has been said Strikeforce will continue to run as a separate body and hopefully they’ll be allowed to continue with all their previous operandi. Though I’m sure some changes will be made.
It will be definitely interesting to see what the long term affects of this will be and where the UFC can go from here.”
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