Kyle Terada-US PRESSWIRE
Strikeforce was a promotion that put on some exciting fights throughout the years. The Gilbert Melendez vs. Josh Thompson bouts were some of the most entertaining lightweight bouts in MMA history. Also, fans saw Fedor Emelianenko get upset, not once, but three times under the Strikeforce banner.
There were some marquee fighters under the Strikeforce banner that should make a huge impact mma once they fight in the UFC. Some of them include Luke Rockhold, Daniel Cormier, Ronaldo Souza, and Gilbert Melendez. Let’s now take a look at some potential match ups that would be perfect for these former Strikeforce fighters.
Daniel Cormier vs. Frank Mir. This match makes the most since for Daniel Cormier at the moment. Cain Velasquez is currently the heavyweight champion, so Cormier will should just get some UFC fights under his belt because he will never fight his teammate. Frank Mir presents a good test for Cormier. Mir is a former heavyweight champion, and he is also one of the best submission artists in the heavyweight division. If Cormier is victorious, then he may consider dropping down to light heavyweight, depending on whether Cain is still champion or not.
Gilbert Melendez vs. Ben Henderson. One of the best lightweights for years now has been Gilbert Melendez. Melendez has beaten some solid opponents such as Shinya Aoki, Josh Thompson, and Jorge Masvidal. Ben Henderson is the current UFC lightweight champion, so the UFC could promote it as champion vs. champion. Fans would finally be able to see who the best lightweight champion is, and it would be entertaining as both lightweights have outstanding skills and like to push the pace.
Luke Rockhold vs. winner of Michael Bisping vs. Vitor Belfort/ Chris Weidman. Luke Rockhold was a talented middleweight champion for Strikeforce, and he trains with some of the best at American Kickboxing Academy. He should face the winner of the Bisping vs. Belfort bout because it would give him a stern test. If he is victorious, then it is clear he is ready for the best in Anderson Silva. Also, a Chris Weidman bout is an excellent fight for Rockhold. Both fighters have a lot of momentum behind them, and the winner could be granted a middleweight title shot.
All of the aforementioned Strikeforce fighters have the chance to make history, and also show the world that Strikeforce fighters are just as good, if not better, than UFC fighters.
