Reader Reax
READER REAX: Responses from MMATorch readers on the continuation of the Strikeforce Heavyweight Grand Prix if Alistair Overeem defeats Fabricio Werdum
Jun 9, 2011 - 2:00:30 PM READER REAX: Responses from MMATorch readers on the continuation of the Strikeforce Heavyweight Grand Prix if Alistair Overeem defeats Fabricio Werdum

DISCUSS ALL THIS IN OUR NEW MMATORCH FORUM

...OH, ONE MORE THING - PLEASE BOOKMARK US & VISIT DAILY!

Earlier this week we asked readers if Alistair Overeem should continue on in the Strikeforce Heavyweight Grand Prix if he defeats Fabricio Werdum, or if he should jump to the UFC to meet the UFC Heavyweight Champion right away. Here are some responses:

Austin Fincher: I think even if Overeem beats Werdum then the tournament should still take place. The tournament was a good idea but the whole bracket idea was garbage. They should have gone old school UFC and did it all in one night. However, prior to the Zuffa sale, Strikeforce had very little in the heavyweight department so I can see why they tried to drag it out and milk it. Now Zuffa should add some UFC fights on the Grand Prix undercard and start doing some serious Strikeforce marketing if they want stop the train before it gets to the town of Boredom.

William Haynes: It would severely damage there credibility to cancel the tournament. The need to simply revamp the tournament by having the fights closer together. The tournament should start and end within a month's time. This would appeal to the casual and hardcore fans alike.

Phillip Irvin: Out of the four viable selections for Overeem there two exciting fights, a dud, and a fight that's still undeserved.

Excitement factor out of (*****)

Sergei Kharitonov (****) - The rubber match that could easily be played up. Kharitonov beat Overeem the last time they fought.

Brett Rogers (**) - The uninteresting fight (my opinion). If the first fight between Rogers vs. Overeem hadn't been so one sided then this fight could be worth watching. Rogers has time to cut up a bit and work on his striking if he is able to defeat Barnett. It may help his odds.

Josh Barnett (***) - While his record is impressive, the majority of his past fights were against guys in the middle to lower end of the pack. He has a lot to prove still. This tournament is an excellent opportunity to re-ignite his career.

Antonio Silva (****) - He's as big as Overeem and just as scary looking. His record is a bit better than Barnett as far as talent beaten. After dismantling Fedor in impressive fashion, he's ready for a big challenge.

Could the UFC get Overeem to fight for their title? Sure, but why now? Strikeforce still has potentially exciting and important fights available. Let the tournament play out and then offer the winner of the grand prix a title shot. If Overeem is as good as a lot of people believe, them he'll win the tourney anyways.

Side Note:
The UFC could set up a great lightweight grand prix to determine more definitive rankings in that division (Gilbert Melendez included). There is something to be improved on by observing how Strikeforce carried the heavyweight grand prix out. With the sheer number of events the UFC has annually, the tournament would only need to span four months. Fans could stay interested enough to follow the action over that period of time.