Loretta Hunt of Sherdog.com reveals the latest plans of Scott Coker and Strikeforce’s to hold eight-women tournaments at 135lbs and 145lbs through the Challenger series starting this April.
Strikeforce 145-pound champion Cristiane “Cyborg” Santos and Gina Carano, whom Santos defeated by first-round technical knockout last August in San Jose, Calif., will not compete in the tournaments, said Coker.
“We’re looking for the next women to fight the Gina Caranos and the Cris Cyborgs of the world,” Coker said.
Coker said the tournaments’ quarterfinals and semifinals would be “sprinkled” over a few events.
Sarah Kaufman, an undefeated Canadian striker who’s shined in her two Challengers appearances against Miesha Tate and Shayna Baszler, will not compete in the 135-pound tournament bracket.
“I think we’re going to be promoting Sarah against (Takayo) Hashi for our (vacant) 135-pound title,” said Coker. “I think that fight’s happening sooner than later — February or March, for sure.”
Hashi, a Smackgirl veteran, has been victorious in her last eight outings. Her only career loss came to Strikeforce veteran Hitomi Akano at a Smackgirl event in August 2005.
Coker said the tournament winners would likely face the promotion’s champions in their next bouts.
The tournaments, originally announced to launch at the end of 2009, were postponed into the new year for logistical reasons.
Payout Perspective:
Gina Carano is without a doubt the strongest draw in women’s MMA, but the debate still rages as to whether she’s the only one and whether the women’s side of the sport can gain any traction without Carano. This tournament will go a long way to answering both questions by putting the women on display and allowing any potential stars to emerge.
Dana White has often said that there just aren’t enough talented women in any particular division to make it worthwhile. Perhaps a tournament like this is a stepping stone towards that goal.
Leave a Reply