In the wake of the upcoming Freestyle Cage Fighting Women’s Grand Prix on January 30th, Strikeforce has opted to revisit the idea of holding their own women’s tournaments in 2010. The promotion is targeting an April start for eight-woman 135- and 145-pound tournaments to determine new contenders and title challengers.
Strikeforce had previously confirmed that women’s tournaments were not in the promotion’s immediate plans, but adjusted their stance on the issue after the December announcement of the FCF Women’s Grand Prix.
Strikeforce CEO Scott Coker has stated that current Strikeforce Lightweight (145-Pound) Champion Cristiane “Cyborg” Santos will not be a part of the 145-pound tournament. Nor will women’s MMA postergirl Gina “Conviction” Carano, who is currently pursuing a career in acting and may return to the sport in the summer. Santos will defend her title against Marloes Coenen at Strikeforce: Miami on January 30th.
Likewise, undefeated Canadian Sarah Kaufman is not expected to be among the participants in the 135-pound tournament. She is tentatively set to face Japanese standout Takayo Hashi to determine the first Strikeforce Women’s 135-Pound Champion in February or March. Kaufman won back-to-back fights in Strikeforce against Miesha Tate and Shayna Baszler in 2009, but has not competed since June.
Coker further stated that the winners of the tournaments will likely move on to challenge the promotion’s female titleholders. Both tournaments will be spread across a number of events throughout the year. At least one tournament will begin on a Strikeforce Challengers card in April.