Vallie-Flagg kicking Cavalcante

Lightweight Understands “Things Don’t Work Out” But Hoping For Compensation

By Kelsey Mowatt

It may not have the ripple effect that the cancellation of UFC 151 had, but with the news that Strikeforce’s September 29th “Melendez vs. Healy” card has also been axed, more ZUFFA fighters are anxiously awaiting to see what’s next.

As a result of an injury to the promotion’s lightweight champion Melendez, Showtime has reportedly elected to not broadcast the card as scheduled. The decision prompted Strikeforce to cancel the event altogether, and now main card competitors like Isaac Vallie-Flagg are left wondering if their preparation has been all for nothing.

“I haven’t heard anything yet,” said Vallie-Flagg, when asked if he’s been informed whether certain fights could be rebooked for the promotion’s November 3rd card. “We’re only about 12 hours out from hearing that they were canceling it, so I don’t expect to hear anything quite yet.”

“I’m optimistic for it though,” Vallie Flagg furthered. “Me and Adriano were a main card fight, it was going to be an exciting fight, so I’m keeping my fingers crossed and my hopes high.”

Vallie-Flagg (13-3) was scheduled to fight Adriano Martins (23-6) Saturday night in Sacramento, who like himself, has also won four straight bouts.

“I was actually bummed out about last night,” Vallie-Flagg said. “I thought I was having a really sick joke played on me. I was looking forward to this fight with Adriano. He’s a tough dude and it was going to be hell of a good fight. So that part is bumming me out but it is what it is. If they couldn’t do the show they couldn’t do the show.”

Vallie-Flagg (photo via Strikeforce.com)

Due to the fact Strikeforce has yet to confirm the entire line-up for its upcoming November 3rd card, some of this Saturday’s scheduled bouts could be rebooked for the Oklahoma City event. If that doesn’t happen, however, fighters could be in store for a significant financial hit.

“I’d love compensation but I also know that sometimes things don’t work out,” said the Jackson’s MMA fighter, while discussing whether he’s hoping to receive a portion of the ‘show money’ he would have received. “I fought on a card, fought a dude, won, and nobody got paid. I also know that this is part of the deal.”

“This being a fight that didn’t happen, it’s kind of hard to say what they’ll end up doing,” Vallie-Flagg added. “Do I feel like I’m owed anything? No, but, I do feel like I’d like to be compensated for my time and effort, getting ready for this fight you know?”

From a broader perspective, the event’s cancellation comes at a time when the promotion recently lost November 3rd headliner Frank Mir, and during a year when speculation continues as to what the future holds for Strikeforce.

“Anything at this point is just speculation,” noted Vallie-Flagg, who is coming off a split decision win over “JZ” Cavalcante in May, to extend his undefeated streak to 11. “To say that they’re just going to drop the organization because somewhat got hurt would be pretty short sighted.”

“I understand in some way where Showtime’s coming from,” the lightweight furthered. “Gil is a big name, and the main event was a huge deal, especially because it was a title fight. Unfortunately I think there was a lot of other great fights to carry the show. As a fan of the sport I was really looking forward to the Guto Inocente, Gian Villante fight, the Caros Fodor and Josh Thomson fight was going to be a barn burner. Even the Jorge Gurel and Mizuto Hirota fight; if you’ve seen those guys you know they both come hard.”