By FCF Staff
News that the mixed-martial-arts world has incurred a significant and likely historic change has come down today, as UFC President Dana White has announced that the promotion’s parent company Zuffa, LLC, has purchased its competitor Strikeforce. White announced the deal in an interview with MMA Fighting’s Ariel Helwani.
While White would not comment on any specific financial terms regarding the deal, he stated repeatedly throughout the interview that it would be “business as usual” for Strikeforce, its broadcasting partner Showtime, and all fighters currently under contract. Strikeforce CEO Scott Coker will reportedly continue to oversee and manage the promotion.
According to White, the Strikeforce purchase will not lead to cross promotional cards or “super fights” with the UFC; however, he did acknowledge that some Strikeforce competitors could end up fighting in the Octagon after their current contracts are up.
When asked why Zuffa had acquired Strikeforce, White cited the need of Zuffa to promote more fights and noted that acquiring the San Jose based promotion’s assets would help the company expand globally. Despite his often harsh criticisms of Strikeforce in recent years, White conceded in the interview that the promotion was growing in popularity, before crediting Coker for his abilities and experience.
Strikeforce has not made any announcement regarding the reported purchase.
