Strikeforce announced late Sunday night that it was cancelling its event scheduled for September 29th in Sacramento, California. The cancellation comes with an injury to headliner Gilbert Melendez.
Melendez apparently separated his shoulder according to the Strikeforce light heavyweight champ in an interview with Inside MMA.
Showtime officials stated that the lack of its headliner in the main event and marquee undercard, the card must be cancelled.
Via MMA Junkie:
Ultimately, the decision to entirely cancel the event fell to Strikeforce officials. Of course, the promotion was likely expecting the licensing fees from the Showtime broadcast to cover expenses. For instance, at August’s “Strikeforce: Rousey vs. Kaufman” event in San Diego, Calif., the announced fighter purses (not including any non-contracted bonuses) totaled $368,000 while the official gate revenue for the event was confirmed by the California State Athletic Commission as $145,510.
Payout Perspective:
Injuries pre-fight are beginning to be the norm. It seems as though Zuffa must make an effort to survey fight camps to see their respective training methods. It makes sense considering the numerous injuries that are occurring as the fight nears. The cancellation was likely warranted given the economic losses it was set to incur. Furthermore, without Melendez, the shots of the arena would look sparse which is not what the organization wants. Probably not a good thing for since Strikeforce is trying to keep its head above water.
The biggest loser is Pat Healy. He deserves a second chance in the UFC after his last run.