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Thursday, Oct 25, 2012

Jason High Talks Recent Strikeforce Cancellations: “It’s Hard Not to Think You Could be in The UFC And Making Money”

High punching Quinn Mulhern (photo via Strikeforce)

Welterweight Interested in Bouts With Tarec Saffiedine and Nate Marquardt

By Kelsey Mowatt

After adding three more victories to his record in 2011, and establishing himself in the Strikeforce welterweight division, it appears as though Jason High will end his 2012 campaign having fought only once. While High did score a quick submission win over Nate Moore in that appearance, the year has not gone according to plan for the UFC and DREAM vet.

Of course, just like many other Strikeforce fighters, High has been forced to sit on the sidelines for much of the year due to the promotion’s dramatically reduced schedule. The recent cancellation of not one, but two events, has meant that much of the roster could go months without competing.

“It’s definitely no fun on the fighter side of it,” High said recently on Full Contact Fighter Radio, while discussing the cancelled events and what he believes the future holds for Strikeforce. “We’ve had two events now cancelled, so, that’s money for us, money spent already on training camps, and whatever so, there’s no outlet for us when something like this happens. Hopefully Strikeforce will pay us our show money, but they don’t have to. It’s pretty disheartening.”

After Strikeforce announced that it was canceling its November 3rd card, due to injuries and the subsequent withdrawal of headliners Frank Mir and Luke Rockhold, the promotion announced plans for an event in January.

“Hopefully I’ll be on this January card but I was looking forward to being on this November card,” said the 31 year-old High. “I’ve only fought once this year and I like to stay busier than that you know?”

High elbowing Todd Moore (photo via Karl Hubert / Forza LLC / Showtime)

Despite news of another event in January, there’s been renewed speculation recently, as to what the future holds for the ZUFFA owned Strikeforce. While the promotion has seen many of its top stars move to the UFC, and has had its schedule slashed, it remains one of the sport’s most recognized promotions.

“There’s not a lot out there right now,” said High, while discussing the importance of having organizations like Strikeforce, in terms of the opportunities it presents fighters. “Especially now that Strikeforce was bought by the UFC. I think it’s definitely important to have competition in the market for fighters obviously. The UFC wants to grow its business, and they want to corner the market, but for fighters it’s important.”

Not every fighter signed to Strikeforce is in the same position as High, however, who thanks to a seven fight win streak and a 16-3 record, is likely a candidate to move over to the UFC if the Strikeforce doors close.

“I definitely think I could compete with the UFC guys,” said High, who in addition to Moore, has recorded victories over Hayato Sakurai, Quinn Mulhern and Jordan Mein in his recent run. “I don’t know though, there’s a lot of contract issues and stuff, but when something like this happens, it’s hard not to think you could be in the UFC and making money, fighting more often, so yeah, it’s a little disappointing.”

“I’m sure I’m on their radar but none of that really matters while my Strikeforce contract is still in effect,” High furthered. “I appreciate Strikeforce giving me the opportunity to fight for them, I just wish I could stay a little busier you know?”

When the surging “Kansas City Bandit” does get booked for his next fight, it’s likely he will face one of Strikeforce’s top welterweights.

“I think a fight with me and Tarec Saffiedine makes sense,” said High. “Or, if they want to jump me right to Nate Marquardt, I’ll fight him too. It doesn’t really matter to me. There’s plenty of guys there. I’ve kind of heard things about rematching Jordan Mein, but that doesn’t make much sense, because I think I’ll beat him just like I did last time….I just want to fight.”

 

posted by FCF Staff @ 2:04 pm
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