Dream/Strikeforce Alliance

My very first post on this blog was a pregame analysis of what in my mind would have been the greatest heavyweight MMA fight of the post Pride FC generation. Sadly, Josh Barnett failed a steroid test for the third time in his career, all of which he disputes. I can’t help but feel that a person is more likely to win the lottery than have three false positives. I hate throwing Josh under the bus, but I feel like I, as a fan, have been.

But this article is not about Barnett, my disappointment, my attempt to hold off declarations of guilt, or even the death of Affliction and their affection with the devil of diverse MMA, the UFC. No, this article is about the new hope that has come from these seemingly dark times; the alliance between Dream and Strikeforce. Read more »

Affliction is Dead

It seems there was no turning back or recovery for Affliction following Wednesday’s Josh Barnett fiasco. Unable to adequately patch up the holes in their venue, Affliction: Trilogy was canceled, and the entirety of Affliction as a promotion flatlined. Supposedly, there were rumors that they had talked with both Strikeforce and the UFC about possible mergers, even before recent events, but in any case, they’re majorly in the doghouse now. It’s official that Affliction will salvage what they can and re-enlist as a brand sponsor (i.e. stick to making clothes) for the UFC. This is somewhat ironic considering the less than friendly relationship Affliction and the UFC/Dana White have had with each other. Dana White practically called out their demise last year. Of course, Dana White likes to talk and present himself as an asshole, so it’s not surprising that he’d rejoice over fallen competition. But really, who else would you turn to when you’re struggling and the UFC is raking in the big bucks? Read more »