http://www.mmajunkie.com/news/2012/12/strikeforce-confirms-jan-12-event-is-final-showtime-broadcast
It's finally official.
While Strikeforce's upcoming January event has long been expected to serve as the promotion's final card to broadcast on Showtime, the company today confirmed the rumors.
"Since 2009, Showtime has been a great partner and we appreciate its support of Strikeforce and our athletes," Strikeforce CEO Scott Coker stated. "For our final event, we've loaded the card with some outstanding fights. This is going to be a memorable night for the sport of mixed martial arts."
"Strikeforce: Marquardt vs. Saffiedine" takes place Jan. 12 at Chesapeake Energy Arena in Oklahoma City. The main card airs on Showtime, and Showtime Extreme carries the prelims.
Today's announcement did not confirm that Strikeforce will be completely dissolved following the Jan. 12 event, though that seems the most likely scenario. Strikeforce officials weren't immediately available for comment.
"We are proud of our association with Scott Coker and the entire Strikeforce team," Showtime Sports Executive Vice President and General Stephen Espinoza, stated. "From Gina Carano to Ronda Rousey, Fedor Emelianenko to Daniel Cormier, Nick Diaz to Gilbert Melendez, Showtime Sports and Strikeforce have built some of the biggest stars in the sport and have produced many of the most watched and most intriguing fights in the history of MMA.
"We look forward to another night of competitive and explosive Strikeforce fights on Showtime on Jan. 12 in OKC."
Additionally, a middleweight contest between 13-time UFC veteran Ed Herman (20-8 MMA, 0-0 SF) and former Strikeforce champion Ronaldo "Jacare" Souza (16-3 MMA, 6-1 SF) has been added to the evening's lineup. Souza had been expected to face Lorenz Larkin (13-0 MMA, 4-0 SF)on the card.
RIP.
Rumor is Showtime might be announcing a deal with Glory/Dream to air the NYE card, possibly tomorrow.