After a few decidedly tumultuous months, Strikeforce re-upped with Showtime and presented its first fight card of the year last night (Sat., Jan. 7, 2012) with its "Rockhold vs. Jardine" event in Las Vegas.

During the show, UFC President Dana White stopped by for an interview and when asked by Mauro Ranallo what can fans expect from Strikeforce in the coming year, replied with the following:

"I think (the fans) can expect the same thing (from Strikeforce) that they get from the UFC. We're going to put on great shows, live shows, television shows, exciting fights -- everything you've come to expect from the UFC, you will see here on Showtime and Strikeforce."

They didn't exactly get off to a hot start last night, as the crowd at the Hard Rock Hotel and Casino seemed as alive as a cemetery and most of the action on the card left a lot to be desired.

The broadcast was aesthetically pleasing, sure, but good production doesn't replace exciting fights between legitimate contenders. Name value also matters and the sad fact of the matter is Strikeforce doesn't have it.

Which is why Keith Jardine fought for the promotion's middleweight title. He was obliterated, as expected.

Of course, we're talking about just one event and there will be at least seven more this year, so perhaps it's best to hold off complete judgement of Strikeforce under the Zuffa banner. There are improvements to be made, but we're being assured that we'll happen so let's let it happen, right Maniacs?

Speaking of upcoming events, the Miesha Tate vs. Ronda Rousey fight was finally booked for March 3 in Ohio and White talks about how much he's looking forward to it in the full entry.