Strikeforce's KJ Noons kicking Nick Diaz

By FCF Staff

In stark contrast to how it might have appeared a couple of months ago, word has come today that Strikeforce will continue operating  beyond its recently confirmed January 7^th card. While speaking at today’s UFC 140 press conference, UFC President Dana White reportedly announced that a new television deal between Strikeforce and Showtime is near completion, and as a result, the Zuffa owned promotion will remain in business.

While according to multiple reports White would not offer any details as to how Zuffa intends to utilize Strikeforce in the future, in terms of the promotion’s format, or will it serve as feeder organization etc, he did relay that more about the new deal would be known by Monday.

After Zuffa purchased Strikeforce earlier in 2012, and with its current broadcast deal with Showtime set to expire early next year, the promotion’s future looked uncertain while negotiations with the network continued. In addition, when several of Strikeforce’s biggest stars in Nick Diaz, Cung Le, Dan Henderson and Alistair Overeem were brought over to the UFC, speculation whether the promotion would continue operating next year was considerably heightened.

Earlier today, Strikeforce confirmed several main card bouts for it’s upcoming January 7^th card in Las Vegas, including middleweight champ Luke Rockhold vs. Keith Jardine, “King Mo” Lawal vs. Lorenz Larkin and Robbie Lawler vs. Adlan Amagov.

The promotion’s next event takes place December 17^th in San Diego, and will feature lightweight champion Gilbert Melendez taking on challenger Jorge Masvidal.

The card will be broadcast on Showtime.