FanPost

Report: Strikeforce planning heavyweight Grand Prix spanning three events in 2011

A middleweight eliminator getting nixed this past year (2010) apparently isn't stopping Strikeforce from attempting to enter the tournament business.

According to a report from Tatame, Strikeforce is planning an eight-man heavyweight Grand Prix that will span three events and may also mark the promotion's first foray into the world of pay-per-view (PPV).

The match-up pitting Fedor Emelianenko vs Antonio Silva would be part of the tourney. Other fights reportedly in the works are Fabricio Wedum vs Sergei Kharitonov, Josh Barnett vs Brett Rogers and Alistair Overeem vs Andrei Arlovski.

It would be an incredible feat if Strikeforce can pull it off, but should we expect that to really happen?

There are a few roadblocks to consider when imagining a Grand Prix taking place.

First of all, Josh Barnett showed up to his hearing with the California State Athletic Commission (CSAC) unprepared and was denied reinstatement of his license. He was however, granted a continuance but that obviously puts the kabosh on his participation -- at least in the near future.

Kharitonov is set to compete at Dynamite!! 2010 while Overeem is also rumored to be appearing at the event. There's also been little word on the return date of Werdum, although rumors have pegged March as a possibility.

It certainly wouldn't be impossible for Strikeforce to put this together but based on the turmoil in the heavyweight division as it stands now, it would seem an unlikely endeavor.

One can hope, though.

Keep it locked to MMAMania.com for more on this potential tournament as it becomes available.

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