Dana White is disappointed with latest Strikeforce event, wants Showtime to "hand over the reigns"
Posted on January 25, 2012, 02:05 PM by Joey Santosus
"Let's just say the first Strikeforce fight didn't go the way I wanted it to go. When you get into a deal where the network controls what goes on, controls the production, controls everything – I'm working on that. I'm working on that as we speak. When these guys hand over the reigns and let me run that [expletive] thing, it will change. I've got to get my hands on that thing. I've got to get my hands on the production and start controlling that show. If I don't, then it is what it is." - For more from Dana White, visit MMAJunkie.com
For those of you who felt the latest Strikeforce event left something to be desired, you're not alone. It appears Dana White shares your sentiment, and according to the UFC President, that "something" is him.
Though White took a "business as usual" approach to running the promotion following ZUFFA's purchase of Strikeforce in 2011, the organization is now under a renewed broadcast agreement with Showtime, and he says he is working as we speak to gain control of the "reigns."
January's event, which marked the brand's first offering under the new deal, was headlined by a Middleweight title clash between division champ Luke Rockhold and 185-pound debutant, Keith Jardine. Although Rockhold, a rising, but still relatively unknown name, was initially expected to meet Tim Kennedy in the headlining bout, Jardine stepped in on short notice, having never before competed in the weight class. Needless to say, White was less than pleased with the final product, and feels that given the opportunity, he can turn things around for the promotion. But, what do you think LowKick'ers? Is Dana White the missing piece of the Strikeforce puzzle, or is the once-burgeoning brand a lost cause?
Further Reading: Dana White UFC on Fox 2 Video Blog (Part 1)
Photo: Scott Hirano
Comments
Wow, didn't see that coming ;)
Mr Baldy control freak is going at it again, nothing new. This is the end of Strikeforce
Well surely no one bought all this crap about Zuffa making Strikeforce better right? It was obviously just a take over to expand their monopoly and remove a competitor.
he knows how to make the show better, that's a bottom line
It's funny how people in the MMA community throw around the term "monopoly," yet the extent of their education on the matter is limited to a board game that they played as a child. The UFC is not a monopoly.
Furthermore, Zuffa's purchase of Strikeforce was not some shady corporate takeover. They were already selling! The promotion's majority owners wanted, and I quote, "out of the MMA business," so that they could focus on basketball.
I always picked the car... you were the thimble were'nt you?
How can you say the UFC doesn't have a monopoly? They have their events, games, clothing, control image rights, wouldn't be surprised if they even got money on arianis playboy shoot lol they even have a UFC conention. And your talking about lack of education to do with the term? Unless your being a smart ass and you meant it's not the UFC but zuffa lol
firing and stealing most of the good fighters might have something to do with the lame card
Dear Dana: fire Mauro Ranallo
Nothing against him personally, but I think he weakens the Strikeforce brand.
you're stupid
He's not stupid, he's right. I have no hate for the guy but listening to him speak is painful.
StrikeForce is on borrowed time anyway, only a matter of time before the brand is no longer.
Ha-ha... Strikeforce was putting on great shows before Zuffa bought it. The HW Grand Prix was a hit and this is exactly why Uncle Dana became suddenly interested in buying it in the first place.
So, now that they have bled it dead, they feel dissatisfied with the quality of events? That is interesting.
'Hand over the reigns/burn the reigns and forget they ever existed...'
Dana months ago..."Believe me guys I got this thing figured out" and thats what we were afraid of lol
If Strikeforce is on the way out then the Belator babies better watch out!
One big difference is Belator is owned by Viacom and they have the financial baking to buy UFC if they wanted to. Dana has stated this on many occasions when asked about them being a monopoly.
"financial baking"....I bet that tastes good!
LOL! Good catch
UFC's fault that they sucked Strikeforce dry, wont co promote to get other good fighters, or simply disrespected the whole Golden Glory crew.
Dana should watch out for his other product (UFC) that is currently getting a substantially lower buy rates and viewership.
I guess this is Dana's "business as usual" talk. Screw a promising company, take it apart, and blame someone else.
Dana should be more concerned about the crappy football music on the FOX network cards, as well as the announcers. It just doesn't feel the same without Rogan and Goldberg.
Hey Gt, the "football music" is the Fox Sports theme music, so no escaping that one. I think it's iconic and helps validate the sport to new fans.
Also, Rogan and Goldie announced the fight. They had Fox guys doing pre- and post-shows, but again I think that helps validate everything nicely.
the fox card last weekend was commentated by John Anik
rogan yes, goldberg... who needs him
It's like Pepsi and RC Cola. If there is Pepsi around, that is what you will drink every time, but if they only have RC Cola, you will begrudgingly drink it. If the UFC is on, there could be 10 other MMA shows on and I will watch the UFC. I cannot stand Mauro Renallo. I can't stand to look at him, I can't stand to listen to him. They must get rid of him!!!