Strikeforce look likely to take Heavyweight tournament to Japan
Posted on February 4, 2011, 08:40 AM by Daniel CassidySince Strikeforce announced the upcoming Heavyweight tournament, many had questioned Josh Barnett's ability to gain a license in the US. It seems the company have found a way around it, with a trip to Japan looking increasingly likely.
According to MMA-Japan, the California company's debut in the East is a dead cert, set to take place this coming April:
Strikeforce will make their Japanese debut April 10th, 2011 during the afternoon hours in order to be shown live in the United States.
The fight card will consist of a lightweight portion, and the heavyweight grand prix second round.
Strikeforce will be working with Real Entertainment and possibly M-1 to co-promote the planned event.
More details will be incoming as the event comes near.
Interestingly, this also fuels speculation at a possible Lightweight Grand Prix in co-promotion with Dream. Scott Coker had earlier hinted at this, and with Lightweight fighters such as KJ Noons, Gilbert Melendez and Josh Thompson, coupled with some of the best in JMMA such as Shinya Aoki, Tatsuya Kawajiri and Joachim Hansen, a 155 pound GP would be greatly received.
With the mention of M1, it's also highly possible to see Fedor Emilianenko feature on the card in Japan, given he has a massive Eastern fanbase.
With Japanese favourites Josh Barnett and Alistair Overeem set to feature on the card, this event will be hotly anticipated in The Land of the Rising Sun.
Source: MMA-Japan | Image source: Strikeforce.com
Comments
The Reem and Barnett have a HUGE fanbase in Japan. So this makes sense. I just hope the "drug testing" will still be done. Btw the idea of a lightweight tounament is also great. Just make it happen!
They don't have too many choices now that Josh "Roid boy" Barnett can't really fight in the US.
I have to wonder if that is really the case. There are so many fighters that have been popped for roids and still fight. I just can't see why Barnett would be any different. If it IS the case that Barnett can't get licensed in the US it is going to severely limit what they can do with him in the future.
Surely, this will have a big crowd. I think it is a good decision to go the country where it is all setup and has a big fanbase.
1. Big crowds anticipated
2. Can be aired to the USA, South Korea and Europe
3. Nostalgic emotions for old Pride days
4. Problem for Barnett not fighting solved, but drug test must be taken for sure for all participants
If there is a fight to be in Japan, Mr.Barnett should be on that card, just in case. Personally i don't have a problem with Barnett testing positive 3 times. He just seems the fighter that gets caught while others seem to slip under the radar. These dudes are on so many pills and supplements that is it's almost inevitable for them to take something that is illegal knowingly or otherwise. Plus the fan base for the Reem and Barnett is massive in Japan, smart move airing the card during the day so North Americans can watch in the evening rather then staying up at 5 am to watch the K-1 Grand Prix, that was exhausting.
You should have done what I did for the Dream New Years card. I went to bed a little early, set my alarm for 15 min before start time and was in front of my computer with a cup of coffee in time for the show :P (unfortunately the "show" went on for an hour before the fights started :( )
Well i got home late that morning from the studio. Decided to check when the fights will be on and just my luck they were on in half an hour. I had to watch, I could not not watch it live. It was worth it.
I don't see how Fedor can be on the same card as Rd 2 of the semis if he is going to be fighting the winner of that fight to get into the finals unless he loses to Silva. Who will he fight? What if he loses? It would look funny for him to fight in the semis if he lost to a guy that wasn't in the tourni. I just don't see having him on this card as being practical.
A non-tourny fight for Fedor.
a warm-up for his Semi-final bout with Werdum/Overeem.
...Todd Duffee? lol.
@ ICP - my theory is that Fedor will be there scouting the opposition. As to him actually fighting on this card, I think it will be one of those exhibition type bouts he's done before with Mousasi et al. I don't see SF letting him fight, and risk an injury or a freak loss...
don't understand how you say fedor could be on the card? maybe if he loses to bigfoot and is out of the tourney but still wants to get back in the cage really fast?
Dumbass idea making the show in the afternoon, the live gate turnout will be terrible
American MMA has never really been welcomed in Japan, this kind of crap will make Strikeforce fold fast
I don't think so, I think the gate will a decent size. Especially if you get Barnett and Overeem there. SF is trying to hit two birds with one stone, it might back fire. But that's how you learn.
I say that this time is different. Barnett, Overeem, Werdum and Fedor were very big stars in Japan. Dream would also be interested in promoting it.
saying the gate will be terrible is only in comparison to the 60,000 crowds of pride/dynamite etc.
strikeforce only brings in about 9,000 in america and that should be no problem out east, no matter what time of day it is
If they are going to take the tornament in Japan then Fedor and Overeem will be a favorite in Japan. Overeem will be known as the guy who won the K-1 title and Fedor will be known as the former Pride champ