Strikeforce Heavyweights Catching Up, But UFC’s Division Still Supreme

While Strikeforce has done an excellent job of building up their superstars in the Mixed Martial Arts world despite relatively small payrolls in comparison to the Ultimate Fighting Championship, the fact remains that the money president Dana White has at his disposal alone is what keeps the former from reaching the latter’s potential as far as star power. The simplest illustration of the advantage the UFC has over Strikeforce in brand can be found in the heavyweight division comparison made between the two promotions, and the notable heavyweights that each promotion currently has under contract. 

The biggest name in Strikeforce remains heavyweight champion Alistair Overeem, who despite being a beast at 253 pounds has defended his title just once in the three years since he became the first ever Strikeforce Heavyweight champion with a submission win over Paul Buentello in November of 2007.

Overeem recently stepped back in to Strikeforce for a title fight against number one contender Brett Rogers in May of this year. However, that fight lasted only 3:40 in to the first round before Overeem knocked him out with a fury of punches. The Last Emperor Fedor Emelianenko was absolutely dismantled by Fabricio Werdum, who submitted him with a triangle choke arm bar just over a minute in to their contest.

Despite his impressive resume, there are questions as to the quality of the fighters he has faced, which is the same case for the undefeated Daniel Cormier and Shane Del Rosario. Bobby L’Ashley has had two of his matches cancelled, only to face weaker opponents and remain perfect with easy victories, which does not inspire much confidence in his potential. The same can be said about Andrei Arlovski, who has now lost three in a row, including two via first round knockout. 

The UFC on the other hand boasts a heavyweight division rife with top tier talent, as evidenced by the show their two biggest superstars in that division put on this Sunday at UFC: 116, where champion Brock Lesnar solidified his title with a submission win over interim champion Shane Carwin following his return from illness.

Carwin dominated most of that fight, and it seemed as though he was on the verge of winning via first round knock out for a 13th straight time to open his career, but Lesnar managed to survive until the bell and ended up scoring the victory in the second round.

The bout was a testament to both fighters’ ability, as was the case when Carwin beat Frank Mir, who remains the only man to ever beat Lesnar. Randy Couture is getting up there in age but can still throw down with the best of them, while Tim Sylvia, Cain Valasquez, and Heath Herring can all stand toe-to-toe with the best heavyweights that Strikeforce has to offer. More importantly, at the top is where UFC definitely has the edge, as it may not be a stretch to think the top three in that division can take out anyone from Strikeforce.