Do wins in UFC validate Strikeforce brand?
Strikeforce CEO Scott Coker has earned the right to crow. Zuffa’s Ultimate Fighting Championship brand has enjoyed near-universal recognition as…
Strikeforce CEO Scott Coker has earned the right to crow.
Zuffa’s Ultimate Fighting Championship brand has enjoyed near-universal recognition as the top organization in mixed martial arts since the demise of Pride Fighting Championships years ago. Even the owner of Bellator Fighting Championships, the largest U.S. promotion outside Zuffa, regards UFC as top dog.
But Coker has always argued that his best fighters can thrive against any top talent, even those in UFC. It was an unprovable claim until Zuffa bought Strikeforce this year and quickly moved three of its champions to UFC: welterweight Nick Diaz; light-heavyweight Dan Henderson; and heavyweight Alistair Overeem.
Turns out Coker had a point.