Current Strikeforce heavyweight champion, Alistair Overeem will in fact be competing in the promotion's inaugural heavyweight tournament which will pit some of the worlds best fighters amongst one another. Overeem will enter the cage against Fabricio Werdum, the man who definitively defeated Fedor Emelianenko (who went on a ten-year undefeated streak and was widely considered as the best heavyweight fighter in the world). Also on deck is former UFC champion Josh Barnett who will be making his Strikeforce debut when he meets with Brett Rogers as part of the eight-man heavy tournament. The two aforementioned bouts are expected to take place in March, and while no venue or date has been revealed as of yet, it is expected to coincide with the Arnold Sports Festival later this year. ...

Hello once more fans and friends and welcome to Part 3 of my special Christmas Day mini-series “All I want for Christmas”. The first half of the second part of my four-part special features some thoughts on what I think the immediate future holds for the surging Strikeforce promotion, which had an up-and-down 2010 but made some considerable gains in the war for the hearts and minds of the average MMA fan. So let’s get started with the Top 5 things I’m looking forward to for Strikeforce in 2011. ...

What an interesting time it must be to be Antonio Silva. The first and only EliteXC Heavyweight champion, “Bigfoot” has been working his way towards top-division status for the last several years and is closer than ever to reaching that goal. Silva most recently fought and beat Mike Kyle after surviving a first-round scare and going on to TKO his opponent at the action-packed strikeforce “Henderson vs. Babalu 2” event. Currently, Silva is being talked about as a possible opponent for the returning Fedor Emelianenko. In a new interview, Silva commented both on Kyle and a potential fight with Fedor. ...

We may not be seeing Alistair Overeem defend his strikeforce heavyweight title for some time. Why? Because after "The Demolition Man" tore through this years' K-1 World Grand Prix claiming the promotion's GP heavyweight championship, he'll be right back in action for another tournament of epic proportion's. It's rumored that Overeem, in addition to 7 other high-profile heavyweight stars will be competing in an 8-man heavyweight tournament under the Strikeforce banner. ...

The longest fight of former PRIDE FC fighter and UFC Heavyweight Champion Josh Barnett’s career has occurred outside of any rings or cages. Barnett is still right in the middle of a prolonged battle with the California State Athletic Commission, and it looks like this is a battle that won’t be ending anytime soon. The timing has never been more crucial for Barnett: “The Baby-Faced Assassin” recently signed with the surging Strikeforce promotion, the #2 MMA promotion in the world, and they just so happen to be headquartered and book most of their major shows in California. Here are all the latest details as well as a quick recap of the story so far. ...

It wasn’t too long ago that folks weren’t too high on former UFC star and current Strikeforce fighter Fabricio Werdum. Then the unthinkable happened: Werdum became the first man to ever legitimately beat MMA legend Fedor Emelianenko, and he made it look easy. Now Werdum finds himself as one of the most consistently talked-about fighters currently on the injured list. As 2011 draws near, Werdum recently gave fans and the media several important updates on his future. Here’s the latest on Fabricio Werdum, straight from the man himself. ...

Earlier this year, it was reported that Alistair Overeem would be scheduled to compete in DREAM once again, possibly before his new run through the K-1 Grand Prix circuit. Overeem, the Strikeforce heavyweight champion, expressed his desire to battle for the Japanese promotions' first-ever heavyweight title. There had been rumors that former UFC belt holder, Andrei Arlovski, was thought to be his opponent in order to vie for the promotion's unheralded title. However, negotiation's fell through and the bout was ultimately scrapped. Now, it looks like one man's loss is another man's gain, and Josh Barnett is reaping the rewards. ...

Barnett has more baggage than the octo-mom, but there's a few things that the former UFC heavyweight champion knows how to do. He knows how to win, and he knows how to stir up controversy, better than anyone else in the business, hands down. Recently Barnett appeared in California for the new "EA Sports: MMA" launch (and by the way, the game is everything and more I could have asked for and I challenge anyone to disagree with me) and his first order of business was to greet his good friend, Fedor Emelianenko. Yes, thankfully Fedor and Barnett don't fall into that lump sum of fighter's who "won't fight friends". It's an example of true comradery, to be able to put friendship aside and handle it just as it is, a business. But, ask Josh would he rather fight..say, Fabricio Werdum over anyone else, and see what he has to say. ...

strikeforce may be gaining a lot of momentum on the Showtime network by consistently putting on worthwhile events, but heading into 2011 their future on national television seems far more uncertain. CBS seems hesitant (some would even say “unwilling”) to take another chance on Strikeforce after they televised “Nashville”, the event that saw the infamous brawl between Jason Miller and several members of Team Cesar Gracie. What will it take to get Strikeforce back on CBS? Nothing short of an absolutely star-studded card. In that vein, here’s my personal “dream card” that I think is more than good enough to land a primetime slot on the CBS network. ...

Strikeforce CEO Scott Coker is in an enviable and yet at the same time not-so-enviable position. As the head of the largest MMA promotion not directly owned by Zuffa and therefore the largest alternative to the juggernaut that is the UFC, Coker is in charge of such big-name talents as Fedor Emelianenko, Alistair Overeem, Dan Henderson, Nick Diaz, and many more. While he can put on major cards on the Showtime network and even CBS, Coker still struggles daily with the growing nature of his promotion and the simple fact that he’s not number one in the game. In a recent interview, the soft-spoken promoter filled us all in on where he stands with some of Strikeforce’s biggest stars and his even bigger plans for the future. ...

Josh Barnett is equal parts famous and infamous, so many people are anticipating his impending debut in the ever-expanding strikeforce promotion. The MMA fanbase seems to be fifty-fifty in their expectations of Barnett in Strikeforce, some want to see him in the San Diego-based promotion because they think he’ll do quite well and provide a big name to Strikeforce’s surging Heavyweight division, while others want him there just for the trainwreck factor; to see whether or not Barnett self-implodes once again and how it will affect Strikeforce when he does. Barnett recently spoke at length about Strikeforce’s Heavyweight division with MMAWeekly, but unlike a certain more-notorious interview, there was no promise of physical maiming. ...

When Fedor Emelianenko speaks, everyone listens. Mostly because it happens so rarely, but also because he’s one of the most well-respected and beloved MMA fighters ever. “The Last Emperor” recently took part in a fan Q&A session on his official website, with MixFight providing a full transcript and LowKick providing us with the English translation. Here are some of the major highlights that help clue us all in on Fedor’s future. ...

From a UFC exile struggling to remain relevant in a rapidly-expanding Heavyweight division to one of the biggest assets of the rapidly-expanding Strikeforce promotion…what a difference a few big wins can make for Fabricio Werdum. Werdum shocked the world and made MMA history when he defeated the heavily-favored Fedor Emelianenko in the first legitimate loss of Emelianenko's career. An injury has sidelined Werdum for the past several months and delayed the obvious rematch, but recently, Werdum filled us in on his condition and also gave us his thoughts on new Strikeforce signee and former UFC Heavyweight Champion Josh Barnett. ...

When it was announced in 2009, Josh Barnett vs. Fedor Emelianenko was hailed as some to be the best fight that the legendary PRIDE FC promotion never got around to making. Much has changed since the bout was announced as the headline attraction of the short-lived Affliction promotion’s “Trilogy” event. For one, Barnett tested positive for steroids yet again and earned another black mark on a career that has been up-and-down and all-around since his days as the youngest UFC champion ever. Perhaps most importantly, Fedor is no longer the untouchable wrecking machine he once was, having suffered his first legitimate loss to heavy underdog Fabricio Werdum. But according to “The Babyfaced Assassin” himself, Fedor/Barnett will still happen one day and will still be a major fight. ...

A few days ago I reported on strikeforce signing former ufc Heavyweight champion, PRIDE FC standout, and top-ranked Heavyweight Josh Barnett to a multi-fight contract. Some new details have emerged about the deal, courtesy of “The Babyfaced Assassin” himself. Never one to sugar-coat his words, Barnett revealed why he chose Strikeforce and why he looks forward to ripping off heads, drinking blood, and punching eyeballs out in the San Diego-based promotion. And no, none of that was a joke. ...

It’s been a back-and-forth roller-coaster ride for the former top-ranked Heavyweight and pound-for-pound legend Fedor Emelianenko following his shocking submission loss to heavy underdog Fabricio Werdum earlier this year. Reports surfaced a few weeks back that Emelianenko was looking for a return fight in December, possibly in Japan or even Russia, and was gunning for current strikeforce Heavyweight Champion Alistair Overeem. Overeem has been a vocal proponent of a match with Emelianenko, even going as far as to consistently accuse Emelianenko of “ducking” him. After the Overeem bout failed to materialize due to scheduling conflicts, it looked as if “The Last Emperor” would be sitting out the rest of 2010 after all. Until now. MMAWeekly.com recently reported that a match-up between Emelianenko and Antonio Silva is a definitive possibility for a December Strikeforce show. ...

He’s a controversial athlete…but he’s a former UFC champion. He’s been popped for steroids in the past…but he’s one of the best Heavyweights competing right now, and certainly one of the best not in the UFC. It could be argued that his latest steroid scandal caused the death of an entire promotion…but he’s competed in numerous high-profile fights that have drawn big money. Is he worth the risk, in the end? Strikeforce seems to think so, as they announced recently via a press release that they had signed Josh Barnett to an exclusive contract. In the press release, Barnett said the following: “STRIKEFORCE is the home of the best heavyweight division in the world and I’m proud to be able to call it my home now.” ...

Frank Mir is no stranger to controversy. In fact, his rivalry with current UFC Champion Brock Lesnar may be one of the bitterest rivalries in recent history. From saying that he was thinking of dropping down to Light Heavyweight to saying that he wanted Lesnar to be the first man to die from Octagon-related injuries, Frank Mir knows how to stir the pot. However, it appears that Mir wants no part of a rivalry with his next opponent, famed PRIDE FC wrecking machine Mirko Filipovic, who replaced an injured Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira and will headline the UFC 119 event against Mir. In fact, Mir recently said during an appearance on “The MMA Hour” that he felt that Mirko Cro Cop was still a dangerous opponent even in today’s highly competitive UFC Heavyweight division. I respect Frank Mir for showing a little dignity and humility towards his opponent, but facts are facts: Mirko Cro Cop will never again be anywhere close to championship-level. ...

Fighters.com’s eighth-ranked heavyweight “Babyface Assassin” Josh Barnett (21-5) submitted "Mighty Mo" Siala Siliga (3-2) in a Kimura at 4:41 of round one at DREAM.13 in Yokohama Monday. ...

Fighters.com’s eighth-ranked heavyweight “Babyface Assassin” Josh Barnett (20-5) will make his long-awaited return to mixed martial arts at DREAM.13 in Yokohama March 22, DREAM announced Friday. ...

Former UFC heavyweight champion “Maine-iac” Tim Sylvia (25-6) declined to fight Fighters.com's eighth-ranked heavyweight “Babyface Assassin” Josh Barnett (20-5) at DREAM.13 in Yokohama March 22, according to MMA Junkie. ...

Brazilian heavyweight "Cigano" Junior dos Santos (10-1) climbed to the fifth spot in Fighters.com's December Heavyweight Rankings after knocking out “Hurricane” Gilbert Yvel (33-14-1) at UFC 108 in Las Vegas January second.  He's now just beneath his sensei, fourth-ranked "Minotauro" Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira (32-5-1), and just out of the UFC's big three champions, one of whom has held a portion of the UFC title for the last two years. ...

The breakdown in negotiations between boxing champions Manny Pacquiao and Floyd Mayweather, Jr. over Pacquiao's apparent resistance to submit to an Olympic-style blood test has presented MMA with a golden opportunity to further differentiate itself from the often frustrating sport of boxing. ...

Both Fighters.com Heavyweight Champion “Last Emperor” Fedor Emelianenko (31-1) and ninth-ranked "Vai Cavalo" Fabricio Werdum (12-4-1) won at M-1 Global/Strikeforce in Chicago November 7 and now the top ten heavyweights seem on a collision course for a matchup versus each other.  But will it be for the Strikeforce title or not? ...

"Last Emperor" Fedor Emelianenko (30-1) entered his 15th month as Fighters.com Heavyweight Champion in October.  Emelianenko will defend his title versus fifth-ranked "Grim" Brett Rogers (10-0) at Strikeforce west of Chicago and broadcast in the U.S. on CBS November 7. ...

On the walls of MMA fandom there are two contrasting posters of Fighters.com Heavyweight Champion “Last Emperor” Fedor Emelianenko (30-1).

If you're not North American or you're one of the 50,000 or so North Americans who plunked down $34.95 for PRIDE 32, your poster depicts Emelianenko within a golden aureole striding a mound of pummeled flesh bags that includes fourth-ranked “Minotauro” Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira (32-5-1), tenth-ranked "Pitbull" Andrei Arlovski (14-7), and former UFC heavyweight champion “Maine-iac” Tim Sylvia (24-6).

If you're North American and cut your MMA teeth on The Ultimate Fighter circa 2007 or anxiously anticipating the first F5 stoppage in MMA history, your poster depicts Emelianenko cowering within the block-headed shadow of the man-mountain that is second-ranked UFC champ Brock Lesnar (4-1).
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Fighters.com's ninth-ranked heavyweight “Babyface Assassin” Josh Barnett (20-5) returned to the open, enabling arms of his adoring Japanese fans Saturday, making an appearance at Pancrase's Changing Tour 4 in Tokyo. He stepped inside the ring during an intermission and addressed the crowd: "I'd like to fight next time I enter the Pancrase ring." Barnett is the reigning Openweight King of Pancrase, but hasn't fought for the promotion since tapping Yuki Kondo (49-23-6) in a rear naked choke at the 10th Anniversary Show in 2003. ...

In an analysis posted Friday, Yahoo!Sports MMA and boxing writer Kevin Iole spouted the UFC line, "If the UFC was in the business of giving 50 percent of its company away every time it tried to sign an elite fighter, it would have been in worse shape a lot sooner than Chrysler." The article should've ended with a full disclusore that Yahoo!Sports and the UFC have a business partnership because Iole's cozy nest in the UFC tree has affected his usually uncomprimised reporting. M-1 Global isn't asking for 50 percent of the UFC in exchange for Fighters.com Heavyweight Champion “Last Emperor” Fedor Emelianenko's (29-1) viscerally craved debut inside the Octagon. Fighters.com isn't sure whether that's UFC spin strategized to pressure Emelianenko to surrender his co-promotion demand by persuading fans he's unreasonable or a genuine misunderstanding by White about what Emelianenko is demanding. ...

Ninth-ranked heavyweight “Babyface Assassin” Josh Barnett (20-5) will soldier on after testing positive for 2a-methyl-5a-androstan-3a-ol-17-one, an anabolic steroid, causing the cancellation of Affliction M-1 Global’s Trilogy, possibly returning to his home in The Land of the Rising Sun at Sengoku, Sengoku Director Takahiro Kokuho told Sherdog. Barnett denies using steroids. The California State Athletic Commission claims two separate samples tested positive. Kokuho said, "As for Josh Barnett, we still have to continue negotiations with him, but we are planning to have him on our November 7 card. We didn’t have [Barnett] in contract, but we had a conversation with him about his return in November. He will be in Japan next week, so we’ll be speaking with him just before his Inoki Genome Federation appearance." ...

Strikeforce CEO Scott Coker confirmed Fighters.com's hypothesis that Affliction M-1 Global's Trilogy was Affliction's final event regardless of ninth-ranked heavyweight “Babyface Assassin” Josh Barnett's (20-5) positive test for 2a-methyl-5a-androstan-3a-ol-17-one, an anabolic steroid, causing the cancellation of Trilogy.

Barnett denies using steroids.

In an interview published at MMA Weekly, Coker said, "That was already in the works. How they got out...[if] they became a sponsor for Strikeforce, [were] the conversations we were having. This was their last fight, so there would be no more fighters. The dialogue was that they were getting out of the business a month ago."
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