Strikeforce purchases remaining ProElite assets (Updated)

by Jesse Holland on Feb 5, 2009 2:12 PM EST Comment 51 comments

After shutting its doors in October of 2008 following its inability to secure additional funding to keep the promotion afloat, the remains of ProElite -- the parent company of EliteXC -- have been officially acquired courtesy of the California-based Strikeforce promotion earlier today.

Financial details of the purchase are unavailable at this time.

Here's a snip from Scott Coker, Founder and CEO of Strikeforce, on the BIG news:

"This is a tremendous development that will bolster the Strikeforce roster and allow us to produce even more competitive matchups between top fighters. Some of these athletes have been on the sidelines for a while now and are eagerly waiting to return to competition. We look forward to providing them with the opportunity to do so in the next few months."

After its biggest star, Kimbo Slice, lost in just 14 seconds to replacement journeyman Seth Petruzelli in front of 4.5 million people on CBS, EliteXC had apparently been hit with a knockout blow of its own.

The main event fight-influencing controversy that surrounded the "Heat" CBS event scared away what few investors it had at CBS and Showtime. Left with the nearly $60 million in debt EliteXC had already piled up in the less than two years since the organization’s creation, ProElite was left with little choice but to cease operations.

Now Strikeforce is looking to salvage what value still remains in the promotion, including its tape library and certain transfereable fighter contracts. Names of the fighters acquired in the sale were not revealed, but more than likely will be soon.

There is tremendous upside to this acquisition from a fan’s perspective. There’s going to be a bunch of great fighters who could end up competing for the promotion and possibly ending up in fantasy or dream matches never before possible due to the lack of cooperation between entities.

UFC President Dana White, one of ProElite's biggest critics, has actually been a vocal supporter of Strikeforce.

From an October 2008 USA Today interview:

"I hope they do 10 million viewers (on NBC) next week. Have you heard me say a bad word about Strikeforce? I wish them all the luck in the world. I have nothing bad to say about guys who are running the right promotion

Strikeforce was the first MMA promotion to hold a regulated MMA event in the state of California. In addition to partnerships with HDNet, ESPN and Showtime, Strikeforce can be seen weekly on NBC with its 30 minute-program "Strikeforce on NBC."

It’s going to be interesting to see how many of these guys (and gals) end up with Strikeforce now that the sale has gone through. Strikeforce could really beef up its roster with names like Jake Shields, Eddie Alvarez, Nick Diaz, Rafael Feijao, Paul Daley, KJ Noons, Wilson Reis, Cyrille Diabate and countless others.

Who knows … maybe even Kimbo Slice.

In the end, the talent was there near the top -- it just wasn’t enough to compensate for all the other shortcomings and struggles that ProElite faced attempting to get off the ground.

Now with that talent in the right hands, there could be a healthy and viable alternative to UFC events and programming. Perhaps some good ol' healthy competition.

And that's a good thing.

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I hope these guys don’t think they can get the same money from Stikeforce/UFC that they were getting from Elite

by McArthur on Feb 5, 2009 2:15 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

If Strikeforce buys out the current contracts, aren’t they required to pay the fighters what is stipulated for the length of the agreement? Or can they renegotiate at that point? If the latter is true I guess this basically give Strikeforce “first dibs” on signing all of the Proelite fighters to new contracts. Not a bad move as long as they don’t pay through the nose to get the rights.

by jr on Feb 5, 2009 2:23 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

qUESTION: Anyone know when strikeforce will hold its next event?

by john on Feb 5, 2009 5:39 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

I will answer my own question since you Fockers are ignoring me!

Strikeforces NEXT SHOW:

April 11th on Showtime from San Jose.

I here that Kimbo is trying to enter the DREAM featherweight Grand Prix…LMFAO, lol, hahahahah, hehehehe! Im f’in silly!

by john on Feb 5, 2009 6:09 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Not surprised, they would allow anything in the city of japan;)

by NameNotRequired on Feb 5, 2009 6:15 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

LoL

by McArthur on Feb 5, 2009 8:42 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Told you this was true! I believe its up to the fighters weather they want to transfer their existing contracts over to strikeforce or become free agents.

by john on Feb 5, 2009 2:27 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

jr has a good point there…some of the elite contracts were signifigantly higher(or I assume they were) than what I see SForce paying hem leading me to believe most will end up in free agency…I might be way off on this but what do ya think???

by McArthur on Feb 5, 2009 2:30 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

good call man

by McArthur on Feb 5, 2009 2:31 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

thank you sir!

I also just listened to an interview with Alves and he expects his title shot against GSP to be at UFC 100 in July!

by john on Feb 5, 2009 2:52 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Hw’s: Should sign with Affliction or strikeforce…unless the UFC throws big money at them because the UFC HW division BLOWS!!!

Lhw: Should sign with affliction. TOo crowded at 205 in the UFC

middleweights: could go anywhere!

Welterweights: Have to sign with the UFC

Lightweights: I wouldnt sign with the UFC if I was a lightweight. Most ElitexC LW’s have juice in Japan. THey should sign with strikeforce or Affliction who will allow them to also fight in Japan!

by john on Feb 5, 2009 3:05 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

I would like to see Jay Heiron vs. Paul Daley in Affliction!

by john on Feb 5, 2009 3:05 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

I’m all for seeing Heiron fight someone that is actually worthwhile. I mean since his long lay off, he has had two fights against COMPLETE UNKOWNS. He has the tools and experience to compete with the upper echelon of the division (not beat, compete). What is holding him back?? Kim Couture??

I’ve really felt that Jay, his SMUG attitude, and his HUMONGOUS lips, all need a solid beating! Or at least face someone that has the capability of delivring such

by ViolentMike on Feb 5, 2009 3:25 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

someone other than me should create a list of potential free agents

by McArthur on Feb 5, 2009 3:35 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Just cause UFC doesn’t have Fedor doesn’t mean the HW division blows. I can’t wait for Fador to sign so he can finally lose. ;)
Just accept the challenge. :D

by Natas on Feb 5, 2009 3:37 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

in a year or 2 maybe….AA/Timmay/ and Barnett are no slouches…2 of the top 5 right there man

by McArthur on Feb 5, 2009 3:47 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

McArthur, currently Big Goof Tim is a slouch. :)

by BNF on Feb 5, 2009 3:52 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

you are correct sir….2 out of 5 bro ;)

by McArthur on Feb 5, 2009 4:44 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

STrikeforce signed a deal with SHOWTIME!!!!!!!

by john on Feb 5, 2009 6:01 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

1st show, San JOse, Aprill 11th!

by john on Feb 5, 2009 6:09 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

McArthur: I know you will appreciate this:

Robbie Lawler was seriously being considered by the UFC to caoch opposite of Micheal Bisping on this upcoming season of TUF. Bisping vs. Lawler would have been amazing!

by john on Feb 5, 2009 6:16 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

thats weird man…I just posted that exact same scenario in agreement to you on the thread following this…..

by McArthur on Feb 5, 2009 7:17 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Pretty interesting to hear Dana say anything nice about another fighting organization. Then again, with all the names from EliteXC, Strikeforce can never compete with the UFC. Since Dana doesn’t see them as a threat, maybe thats why he doesn’t have anything bad to say.

by mhk on Feb 5, 2009 2:21 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

If I remember right, Dana likes Strikeforce because they are trying to build from the ground up. They didn’t jump in and say they were trying to compete with the UFC right away by either promoting PPVs or getting a network deal and hemorraging money to do so.

by jr on Feb 5, 2009 2:27 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Right. They have done it the right way, unlike Affliction and Pro Elite that have tried to debut as an equivalent alternative to UFC and tried to become overnight millionaires, something even the UFC didnt do at first.

by El Mexicutioner, formerly The Mexicutioner on Feb 5, 2009 3:17 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

I have heard Dana make the same statements on multiple occasions. He even said he tried to talk some ex ufc guys to sign with strikeforce. JR is right, its because to Dana strikeforce is doing it the right way. Trying to build regionaly and then grow from there. I dont think Dana is afraid of compatition but he doesn want some jack ass to get into MMA and start saying they are now competion for the UFC.

by fokman on Feb 5, 2009 2:46 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Dana isn’t stupid. Its good business for him to have other organizations doing well. Especially for network tv. If mainstream america gets into watching MMA on TV they might be that much more interested in seeing the creme de la creme in the UFC. He really just hates Gary Shaw and Beard and Attencio from Affliction.

by Sp00ner1234 on Feb 5, 2009 2:59 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Hes actually said that he doesnt have a problem with Attencio, but yea he hates the Shaws and Beard.

by fokman on Feb 5, 2009 3:09 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

and Millen

by McArthur on Feb 5, 2009 3:47 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

OK he may not publicly have a problem with Attencio… but everyone in the world thinks Attencio dresses like a homo. And thats beef

by Sp00ner1234 on Feb 5, 2009 5:22 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

why would he hate millen? i dont think he even acknowledges his existance, at least he cared about shaw enough to say bad shit about him

by randy murders on Feb 5, 2009 5:30 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

i guess you didn’t see the blog at affliction 2 that Millen did which revolved completely around trashing Dana

by McArthur on Feb 5, 2009 7:20 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

great news i think this could really give strikeforce a boost, they where already doing good with the added depth they could really put on some good shows, another good early call john.

by roy on Feb 5, 2009 2:21 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

thank you sir!

People bash me for posting stuff like this early, but how can i possibly keep news like this to myself? None of my friends are die hard mma fans, so its not like I can share it with them…..Thats why I blab it out on this forum!

Sorry mania!

by john on Feb 5, 2009 3:02 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

I really appreciate the news that you “blab out” on this forum.You are usally pretty reliable.

by the Levi on Feb 5, 2009 3:11 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

tHanks man!

by john on Feb 5, 2009 3:12 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

yes…it wouldn’t be the same without your blabbing ;)

by McArthur on Feb 5, 2009 3:16 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

This is great news! Even if Strikeforce lets some of the talent out of there contracts. They will have added some depth to there roster. As well perhaps this means a return of MMA to Showtime.

by markie on Feb 5, 2009 2:26 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

Sounds good all around. Hopefully UFC will at least get Sheilds and Feijao. But I wouldn’t mind seeing Babalu/Feijao for their LHW title. I have always liked Strikeforce. Too bad thier #1 guy is an actor now.

by BNF on Feb 5, 2009 2:45 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

I wish Le would drop to movie set gig, and come fight lawler!

by john on Feb 5, 2009 3:06 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

me too .that would be awesome to see.

by the Levi on Feb 5, 2009 3:15 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Strikeforce is probably one of my favorite orgs. They appear to be doing things right. Let’s just hope they are smart in the way they handle this acquisition. Judging by their track record, they probably will.

by JB on Feb 5, 2009 2:55 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

“Strikeforce is probably one of my favorite orgs.”

lol. More than likely, one of the more vague comments I’ve seen.

Kinda like that guy that BOLDY predicted that GSP would win and then came on here Monday morning with his NEW BOLD predcition – that “GSP has a 50% chance at beating Anderson Silva”, and then thought he was ‘the man’ because he made such a “bold prediction” and “went out on a limb”. Now, if there is a definition to the word “prediction”, that statement would be the complete opposite.

Sorry JB, not getting on your case, its the end of the day and I want to go home so I can watch LOST from last night, I changed my tire and then passed the F out last night.

by ViolentMike on Feb 5, 2009 4:49 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

I passed out earl;y as well and missed lost, but not cause of a tire…I was smoking that good stuff! Some of that Aqua Man Micheal Phelps Sh*T!!!!! lol

yo, yo, yo, I got that Micheal Phelps! lMAO

by john on Feb 5, 2009 6:03 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Ok, so yeah, does anyone actually know what happens to fighter contract? as far as free agency/going to strikeforce goes? When UFC bought Pride the fighters had the option right? At least I think some did….I just think it would be kinda cool if a lot of free agents came of this. It would be like the off season of any major sport. Would make for a lot of exciting news in the coming months….

by Amos on Feb 5, 2009 2:57 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

what kind of partnership does strikeforce have with espn?

by matt on Feb 5, 2009 2:58 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

I’m pretty sure Reis has already signed with Bellator Fighting Championship — whatever the hell that is.

by Max Power on Feb 5, 2009 3:00 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

not to mention a kick in the balls to affliction. Cung Le will still dominate 185 and frank shamrock vs Tito will sell but only if tito is not with affliction can they fight.