· Zuffa LLC Purchases Strikeforce

In a move that stunned many in the industry, Zuffa LLC, has purchased their biggest rival Strikeforce. The news was first put out to the public by UFC President Dana White in a video interview with MMA Fighting’s Ariel Helwani. In the interview White states, “I don't want to disclose any of the details on how the deal was done, but the reality is that we now own Strikeforce.”

While the move was sudden and unexpected, reports have surfaced that the negotiations have been ongoing for a few months, as Strikeforce was negotiating with both Zuffa and ProElite (who once controlled the now defunct EliteXC).

According to additional reports, the asking price was reportedly $40 million with additional debt repayment.

While the details of the deal have not yet been disclosed, White stated, “Strikeforce is going to continue to run—business as usual. There are contracts in place, and we honor contracts. These guys pull good ratings on Showtime, and all of those contracts are going to be honored. These guys are going to remain Strikeforce fighters.”

Current Strikeforce President Scott Coker has retained his role as Strikeforce head, maintaining the promotion's operations and managing the talent. According to White, Coker will maintain control to re-sign fighters at his discretion, regardless of previous Zuffa dealings.

In the MMA Fighting interview White describes why they would make such a bold move, which includes the acquisition of a collection of international talent. “As we go out and [continue to expand], we need more fights. Let's face facts. Strikeforce is a brand that fans have come to like and [the fans] enjoy the fights that they're putting on. So it made sense to us. Our job is to put on the big fights that fans want to see, and as we continue to travel [abroad], we have to put on the right fights in these other countries.”

There are still a number of questions to be answered as far as Strikeforce’s agreements with M-1 Global and Dream, as well as the standing of some of Strikeforce's fighters that have fought primarily in different organizations.