Looking
at the Strikeforce Imports One Year Later
January
16, 2014
By Ryan
Porzl
January 13, 2014 will mark the one year since
Strikeforce held their last show. In the year since and even before,
many fighters made the jump from Strikeforce to the UFC. But how well
did they do? Who was successful? Who wasn't? Who exceeded
expectations? Who disappointed? Here's a list of most of the fighters
who made the transition from Strikeforce to the UFC. It should be
pointed out that Dan Henderson, Jason Miller, Cung Le, Nick Diaz, and
most of the Heavyweights moved to/returned the UFC as early as 2011.
Women's
Bantamweight
Ronda
Rousey
UFC
Record:
1-0
Current
Status: Active
Rousey entered the UFC on a high note by being awarded
the UFC Women's Bantamweight Championship due to being the last
Strikeforce Women's Bantamweight Championship. She was successful in
her debut by defeating Liz Carmouche in the main event at UFC 157 by
her signature armbar. She followed this by coaching the 18th
season of the Ultimate Fighter opposite Miesha Tate. Her run as a
coach wasn't well received and rubbed people the wrong way due to her
behavior. Rousey rematched Tate on December 28th at UFC
168. The fight would be the first fight in which Rousey went past the
first round. Despite that, the outcome was the same with Rousey
dominating Tate and finishing her off with the armbar in the third
round to retain her title.
Miesha
Tate
UFC
Record:
0-1
Current
Status:
Active
Tate entered the UFC a top contender in Strikeforce but
she stumbled out of the gate when she lost her debut fight against
Cat Zingano by TKO on April 13th at the UFC Ultimate
Fighter 17 Finale. Tate's fortunes picked up when Zingano pulled out
of the TUF 18 coaching gig and title fight with Ronda Rousey due to
an injury which allowed Tate to replace her. Her time as a coach on
TUF was more well-received than Rousey as Tate came off more likeable
and her team won both tournaments. Tate would face Rousey again on
December 28th at UFC 168. While Tate would last to the
third round and put on a gutsy performance, she would once again fall
to Rousey's armbar.
Liz
Carmouche
UFC
Record:
1-2
Current
Status:
Active
Carmouche
entered the UFC by being the first to receive a shot at the UFC
Women's Bantamweight Championship on February 23rd
at UFC 157. The fight with Rousey was the first women's main event in
UFC history. Despite being a big underdog, Carmouche surprised many
by nearly trapping Rousey with a rear naked choke but would
ultimately come up short. Carmouche would bounce back on July 27th
at UFC on FOX: Johnson vs Moraga. Originally scheduled to faced
Miesha Tate, she would ultimately face Jessica Andrade and would
emerge victorious by TKO. In her recent fight, she would come up
short against Alexis Davis by unanimous decision at UFC Fight for the
Troops 3 on November 6th.
Sarah
Kaufman
UFC
Record:
0-1
Current
Status:
Active
Kaufman had a rocky year in the UFC. She was scheduled
to face Sara McMann in her debut at UFC Fight Night: Kampmann vs
Condit II on August 28th but the fight was cancelled when
McMann suffered an injury. She would eventually debut against Jessica
Eye at the UFC 166 on October 19th. She lost a close fight
by split decision.
Germaine
de Randamie
UFC
Record:
1-1
Current
Status:
Active
de
Randamie made her debut at UFC on FOX: Johnson vs. Moraga on July
27th
where she defeated Julie Kedzie by split decision. She lost her next
fight to Amanda Nunes by TKO at UFC Fight for the Troops 3 on
November 6th.
Julie
Kedzie
UFC
Record:
0-2
Current
Status:
Retired
Kedzie
entered the UFC in a slump and she was never able to steer the ship.
She debuted on July 27th
at UFC on FOX: Johnson vs. Moraga where she lost to Germaine de
Randamie by split decision. Her luck failed to get better as she lost
her next fight to Bethe Correia by split decision at UFC Fight Night:
Hunt vs. Bigfoot on December 7th.
With four straight losses including two straight in the UFC, Kedzie
announced her retirement later that night. Since her retirement,
Kedzie has become the matchmaker for the Invicta FC promotion.
Lightweight
Gilbert
Melendez
UFC
Record:
1-1
Current
Status:
Active
After
dominating Strikeforce for so long, Melendez's UFC debut was highly
anticipated. He made his debut against UFC Lightweight Champion Ben
Henderson at UFC on FOX: Henderson vs. Melendez on April 20th.
After a very close back and forth, Melendez would come up short by
split decision. He would bounce back with an unanimous decision win
over Diego Sanchez in a fight of the year candidate at UFC 166 on
October 19th.
Josh
Thomson
UFC
Record:
1-0
Current
Status:
Active
Thomson
became one of the unlikely success stories out of all of the
transitions. Upon his return, he was paired up with former UFC title
challenger and Ultimate Fighter winner Nate Diaz at UFC on FOX:
Henderson vs. Melendez on April 20th.
Despite coming in an underdog, Thomson upset Diaz by TKO which
immediately shot him up the rankings. Thomson was next scheduled to
challenge new UFC Lightweight champion Anthony Pettis at the December
14th
UFC on FOX but the fight was canceled after Pettis got injured.
KJ Noons
UFC
Record:
1-1
Current
Status:
Active
Noons
entered the UFC in a slump and it continued upon his entrance into
the UFC. Noons debuted against Donald Cerrone at UFC 160 on May 25th
but lost by unanimous decision. Noons would finally return to the win
column by defeating George Satiropoulos by unanimous decision on
October 19th
at UFC 166. The win was his first in two years.
Ryan
Couture
UFC
Record:
0-2
Current
Status:
Released
Couture
had the bad luck of entering the UFC at the worst possible time. His
entrance was overshadowed by the sudden departure of his legendary
father Randy Couture. To make matters worse, Couture left on bad
terms which made Ryan's situation uncomfortable though Dana White
later claimed Ryan was welcome. Couture was never able to find
success as he was TKOed by former TUF winner Ross Pearson at UFC on
Fuel TV: Mousasi vs. Latifi on April 6th.
His next outing was against Al Inquinta at UFC 164 on August 31st
but suffered another defeat. After two straight losses, Couture was
cut from the UFC and is now competing on the independent circuit.
Pat Healy
UFC
Record:
0-2, 1NC
Current
Status:
Active
Healy
seemingly entered the UFC in style when he upset top 10 UFC
lightweight Jim Miller by submission in his debut at UFC 159 on April
27th.
Unfortunately, Healy's win was overturned to a no contest after
testing positive for marijuana. From there, Healy has struggled in
the octagon as he lost to Khabib Nurmagomedov by unanimous decision
at UFC 165 on September 21st.
He ended the year with a loss to Bobby Green by unanimous decision at
UFC on FOX: Johnson vs. Benavidez II on December 14th.
Jorge
Masvidal
UFC
Record:
2-1
Current
Status:
Active
Masvidal
began his UFC career in great fashion. He defeated Tim Means in his
debut at UFC on FOX: Henderson vs. Melendez on April 20th
by unanimous decision. He followed with another win over TUF winner
Michael Chiesa by submission at UFC on FOX: Johnson vs. Moraga on
July 27th
which was Chiesa's first loss. He would eventually run into a speed
bump when he lost to Rustam Khabilov by unanimous decision on UFC
Fight for the Troops on November 6th.
Welterweight
Nick Diaz
UFC
Record:
1-2
Current
Status:
Retired
Diaz originally returned to the UFC in 2011 where he
quickly established himself as quite the train wreck. He was
scheduled to face Georges St-Pierre at UFC 137 for the UFC
Welterweight Title. Unfortunately, Diaz would blow it by losing his
title shot after he failed to appear at press conferences and was
demoted to a fight with BJ Penn. After St-Pierre suffered an injury,
Diaz would main event 137 on October 29, 2011. Diaz would dominate
the fight and score an unanimous decision victory. Diaz would earn a
shot at the UFC Interim Welterweight Championship at UFC 143 on
February 4, 2012 against Carlos Condit. Diaz would lose the fight by
unanimous decision and would be suspended for 9 months after testing
positive for marijuana. After his suspension ended, Diaz received a
title shot against St-Pierre at UFC 158 on March 16, 2013 where he
lost by unanimous decision. After losing again, Diaz retired from
fighting and even promoted his own show WAR MMA in June 2013.
Nate
Marquardt
UFC
Record:
0-2
Current
Status:
Active
Marquardt
returned to the UFC coming off his title loss and it didn't get any
better. He lost his return to Jake Ellenberger by KO at UFC 158 on
March 16th.
He followed by facing Hector Lombard at UFC 166 on October 19th.
The outcome was the same as Marquardt was knocked out yet again in
brutal fashion.
Tyron
Woodley
UFC
Record:
2-1
Current
Status:
Active
Woodley
entered the UFC in very impressive fashion. Despite coming in as a
replacement, Woodley would quickly knockout Jay Hieron at UFC 156 on
February 2nd.
His second appearance wouldn't be as impressive as he would lose to
Jake Shields by split decision at UFC 161 on June 15th
in a very lackluster fight. Woodley would bounce back in at UFC 167
on November 17th
by defeating Josh Koscheck by another brutal knockout.
Tarec
Saffiedine
UFC
Record:
1-0
Current
Status:
Active
Saffiedine
entered the UFC with a lot of momentum as he became the last
Strikeforce Welterweight Champion at the last Strikeforce event.
Unfortunately, Saffiedine would quickly lose that momentum as he
suffered an injury and would pull out of his fight with Robbie Lawler
at UFC on FOX: Johnson vs. Moraga on July 27th.
The injury would also result in Saffiedine sitting out the rest of
the year. He would make his long awaited debut at UFC Fight Night:
Saffiedine vs. Lim on January 4th
where he defeated Hong Gyu Lim by unanimous decision.
Jason
High
UFC
Record:
2-1
Current
Status:
Active
Nah-Shon
Burrell
UFC
Record:
1-1
Current
Status:
Released
Burrell
failed to make a good first impression as he came in overweight for
his debut fight against Yuri Villefort at UFC 157 on February 23rd.
Despite winning by unanimous decision, his failure to make weight
would haunt him later. Burrell would lose in his next outing to
Stephen Thompson by unanimous decision at UFC 160 on May 25th.
Following the loss, Burrell would be released. Since then, Burrell
has picked up two wins and signed with Bellator MMA.
Middleweight
Luke
Rockhold
UFC
Record:
1-1
Current
Status:
Active
Rockhold
came to the UFC with a lot of momentum but his debut didn't go the
way he wanted. He lost to Vitor Belfort by KO at UFC on Fuel TV:
Belfort vs. Rockhold on May 18th.
Things would get worse for Rockhold as his history of injuries came
back to haunt him as he was forced to pull out of his bout with Tim
Boetsch at UFC 166 on October 19th.
Rockhold would finally return against Costa Philippou at UFC Fight
Night: Rockhold vs. Philippou on January 15, 2014 where he returned
to his winning ways by TKO.
Ronaldo
Souza
UFC
Record:
2-0
Current
Status:
Active
Souza
entered the UFC with a lot of hype and has proven why. He defeated
Chris Camozzi in his debut at UFC on Fuel TV: Belfort vs. Rockhold on
May 18th
by technical submission. Souza was awarded the submission of the
night bonus for his win. He followed that up with an impressive win
over former UFC title contender Yushin Okami by TKO at UFC Fight
Night: Teixeira vs. Bader on September 4th.
With friend Anderson Silva no longer champion, Souza finds himself as
a top title contender in 2014.
Robbie
Lawler
UFC
Record:
3-0
Current
Status:
Active
Lawler
became the most successful and unlikely success story of 2013. After
coming back to the UFC with many considering him washed up, Lawler
rebuild his career in 13. He dropped to welterweight and scored an
upset win over former title contender Josh Koscheck by TKO at UFC 157
on February 23rd.
He was later awarded the Knockout of the Night bonus. He followed up
with a win over Bobby Voelker by KO at UFC on FOX: Johnson vs. Moraga
on July 27th.
Lawler ended his year on a high note by defeating up and coming
prospect Rory McDonald by split decision at UFC 167 on November 16th.
The upset win allowed Lawler to challenge for the vacant UFC
Welterweight Championship.
Cung Le
UFC
Record:
2-1
Current
Status:
Active
Le was one of those imports that debuted before
Strikeforce ended. He debuted in a losing effort to Wanderlei Silva
by TKO at UFC 139 on November 19, 2011. Le would bounce back in his
second fight as he defeated the returning former title contender
Patrick Cote by unanimous decision at UFC 148 on July 7, 2012. In his
recent outing, he scored a highlight reel knockout on former UFC
champion Rich Franklin at UFC on Fuel: Franklin vs. Le on November
10, 2012. In 2013, Le became the head coach on the first season of
the Ultimate Fighter: China.
Jason
Miller
UFC
Record:
0-2
Current
Status:
Released
Miller
was another guy who came in before Strikeforce closed. Oddly enough,
he was released from the UFC long before Strikeforce ended. Miller
returned the UFC as a coach for the 12th
season of the Ultimate Fighter opposite Michael Bisping. Following
the conclusion of the season, Miller lost to Bisping by TKO at the
Ultimate Fighter 12 Finale on December 3, 2011. The performance was
blasted by Dana White. Miller followed with a loss to CB Dollaway at
UFC 146 on May 26, 2012 by unanimous decision. With two straight
losses and two disappointing performances, Miller was cut from the
UFC. Since then, Miller has had several run-ins with the law due to
mental problems.
Tim
Kennedy
UFC
Record:
2-0
Current
Status:
Active
Kennedy
made his debut at UFC 162 on July 6th
against another Strikeforce import Roger Gracie. He won by unanimous
decision. In his latest outing, he defeated Rafael Natal by KO in the
main event at UFC Fight For The Troops on November 6th
which earned him a knockout of the night bonus.
Roger
Gracie
UFC
Record:
0-1
Current
Status:
Released
Unfortunately,
Roger's UFC career mirrored that of relatives Renzo and Rolles
instead of Royce. Roger debuted at UFC 162 on July 6th
where he lost to Tim Kennedy by unanimous decision. His lackluster
performance made him one and done in the UFC. Since then, Gracie has
claimed he'll continue to fight and move back up to light heavyweight
but he hasn't fought since.
Lorenz
Larkin
UFC
Record:
1-2
Current
Status:
Active
Larkin
made his UFC debut at UFC on FOX: Henderson vs. Melendez on April
20th
where he lost to Francis Carmont by a controversial unanimous
decision. His next outing proved more successful as he defeated Chris
Camozzi by unanimous decision at UFC Fight For The Troops on November
6th.
In his next fight, Larkin took on Brad Tavares at UFC Fight Night:
Rockhold vs. Philippou on January 15, 2014 but he lost by unanimous
decision.
Light
Heavyweight
Dan
Henderson
UFC
Record:
1-3
Current
Status:
Active
Henderson
returned to the UFC in 2011 and made the best of it. He won his
return fight against Mauricio “Shogun” Rua by unanimous decision
at UFC 139 on November 19, 2011. The fight has been considered one of
the greatest fights in UFC history. Hendo wouldn't fight in 2012 as
he was injured a few weeks before his title fight with Jon Jones at
UFC 151. The injury, among other things, would result in the show
being canceled. From here, it was all down hill. He took on Lyoto
Machida at UFC 157 on February 23rd
where he lost by a close split decision. His next fight was the main
event at UFC 161 on June 15th
against Rashad Evans where he lost due to another close split
decision. His recent fight was knockout loss to Vitor Belfort by
knockout at UFC Fight Night: Belfort vs. Henderson on November 9th.
The fight marked the first knockout loss in Henderson's career.
Rafael
Cavalcante
UFC
Record:
1-1
Current
Status:
Active
Cavalcante
came into the UFC after serving a suspension. His debut wasn't the
best as he came up short Thiago Silva (who was also coming off a
suspension) by KO at UFC on Fuel TV: Nogueira vs. Werdum on June 8th.
Cavalcante returned to his winning ways at UFC Fight Night: Belfort
vs. Henderson on November 9th
where he defeated Igor Pokrajac by submission.
Gegard
Mousasi
UFC
Record:
1-0
Current
Status:
Active
Mousasi
debuted in the UFC by defeating Ilir Latifi by unanimous decision at
UFC on Fuel TV: Mousasi vs. Latifi on April 6th.
It was later revealed that Mousasi fought with an injured knee and
was out for the rest of the year due to surgery. He has since
announced that he will return to Middleweight.
Ovince
St. Preux
UFC
Record:
2-0
Current
Status:
Active
OSP
made his debut against fellow Strikeforce import Gian Villante at UFC
159 on April 27th.
The fight ended in controversy with St. Preux winning by majority
technical decision after an accidental eye poke. St. Preux putting on
a better performance in his second fight as he defeated Cody Donovan
by KO at UFC Fight: Sonnen vs. Shogun on August 17th.
Gian
Villante
UFC
Record:
1-1
Current
Status:
Active
Villante
would debut at UFC 159 on April 27th
against Ovince St. Preux. The fight would be controversial as
Villante lost by technical decision due to the referee ending the
fight following an accidental eyepoke. He rebounded at UFC 167 on
November 16th
as he defeated Cody Donovan by TKO.
Heavyweight
Alistair
Overeem
UFC
Record:
1-2
Current
Status:
Active
Overeem
entered the UFC with a lot of promise only to plummet so far. Overeem
entered the UFC in 2011 and made a good first impression by defeating
former UFC heavyweight champion Brock Lesnar by TKO at UFC 141 on
December 30, 2011. The win earned Overeem a shot at the UFC
heavyweight championship. Unfortunately, in a moment that some would
consider five years in the making, Overeem tested positive for
elevated testosterone in a pre-fight drug test. As a result, Overeem
was suspended for nine months and lost his title shot. Upon his
return, his fortunes failed to improve. He was knocked out by Antonio
Silva despite dominating the first two rounds at UFC 156 on February
3rd.
The loss was Overeem's first in over five years. He followed up by
facing Travis Browne at UFC Fight Night: Sonnen vs. Shogun on August
17th.
Despite once again dominating the early part of the fight, Overeem
was knocked out again. Heading into 2014, Overeem now finds himself
fighting for his job.
Daniel
Cormier
UFC
Record:
2-0
Current
Status:
Active
Cormier
made his debut at UFC on FOX: Henderson vs. Melendez on April 20th
where he defeated former champion Frank Mir by unanimous decision. He
continued his winning ways by defeating former TUF winner Roy Nelson
by unanimous decision at UFC 166 on October 19th.
Since that win, Cormier has announced his intentions of moving down
to light heavyweight. Outside of fighting, Cormier works for the UFC
as an analyst for UFC programming.
Josh
Barnett
UFC
Record:
1-1
Current
Status:
Active
No
longer the babyface assassin that enjoyed big success in the UFC, the
now upgraded Warmaster returned in 2013 with the hope of repeating
success. His return fight was successful as he defeated fellow former
UFC champion Frank Mir by TKO at UFC 164 on August 31st.
Unfortunately, his second fight wasn't successful as he was quickly
knocked out by prospect Travis Browne at UFC 168 on December 28th.
The knock out loss was Barnett's first since his loss to Pedro Rizzo
at UFC 30 in 2001.
Antonio
Silva
UFC
Record:
2-2, 1NC
Current
Status:
Active
Bigfoot
Silva has quickly become one of the more unlikely success stories but
it hasn't been easy. He was given a nasty welcome to promotion as he
was TKOed and demolished by former UFC champion Cain Velasquez at UFC
146 on May 26, 2012. Following this, Silva scored two very unexpected
wins. His first over prospect Travis Browne by KO at UFC on Fuel TV:
Browne vs. Bigfoot on October 5, 2012. His next was against the man
most considered the #1 contender Alistair Overeem in a come from
behind knockout at UFC 156 on February 3rd.
The two wins earned Silva a title shot at the UFC Heavyweight
Championship against Cain Velasquez at UFC 160 on May 25th.
Unfortunately, the outcome was the same as Silva lost by TKO. In his
recent outing, Silva took on Mark Hunt in a critically acclaimed five
round war at UFC Fight Night: Hunt vs. Bigfoot on December 7th.
The fight would go to a draw but was later tainted when Silva tested
positive for elevated testosterone. Silva would be suspended for nine
months and the draw was changed to a no contest on his record (Hunt's
record still lists it as a draw).
Shane Del
Rosario
UFC
Record:
0-2
Current
Status:
Deceased
Del
Rosario entered the UFC as a big prospect for the heavyweight
division. He debuted at UFC 146 on May 26, 2012 against another
prospect Stipe Miocic. After a good first round, Del Rosario
eventually lost by TKO which ended his undefeated streak. His next
fight was against Pat Barry at the Ultimate Fighter 17 Finale on
December 15, 2012 which he lost after suffering a brutal knockout.
The fight would turn out to be the final fight in Del Rosario's
career. He was scheduled to face Dave Herman at UFC 162 on July 6th
but pulled out due to an injury. He would then be scheduled for face
Guto Inocente on December 28th
at UFC 168 but both fighters would pull out due to injuries. Sadly,
Del Rosario wouldn't live to see UFC 168. On November 26th,
Del Rosario suffered cardiac arrest and was hospitalized for two
weeks before dying on December 9th.
He was 30 years old.
Chad
Griggs
UFC
Record:
0-2
Current
Status:
Released
Griggs came in as another potential prospect. Griggs
debuted at UFC 145 on April 21, 2012 where he faced up and comer
Travis Browne. He ultimately lost the fight by submission. A drop to
light heavyweight failed to reignite his career as he lost to Cyrille
Diabate by submission at UFC 154 on November 17, 2012. With two
straight loss, Griggs was released from the UFC and hasn't competed
since.
Guto
Inocente
UFC
Record:
0-0
Current
Status:
Active
Inocente
has yet to compete in the octagon. He was scheduled to debut against
Shane Del Rosario at UFC 168 on December 28th
but both fighters would pull out due to injuries.
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