Home / News / Frank Mir to Strikeforce “a one-time situation” says Lorenzo Fertitta

Frank Mir to Strikeforce “a one-time situation” says Lorenzo Fertitta

By on August 7, 2012

A promotional crossover fight between longtime UFC heavyweight Frank Mir and Strikeforce Grand Prix winner Daniel Cormier is a “one-time situation,” not a sign of things to come, according to UFC co-owner Lorenzo Fertitta.

Mir, a former champion, will meet Cormier under the Strikeforce banner on Showtime in October. It marks the first time a major draw for the UFC will cross over since Zuffa, parent company of the UFC, acquired Strikeforce in March 2011.

Several Strikeforce champions, including lightweight Gilbert Melendez and middleweight Luke Rockhold, have long requested fights opposite UFC talent.

In an interview with ESPN.com, Fertitta stated that fans shouldn’t expect that to happen.

“You’re not going to see more of it,” Fertitta said. “This is a one-time situation.”

The unique state of the Strikeforce heavyweight division stands as the major reason the crossover fight was booked.

In December, the promotion announced its intent to dissolve the weight class, but that the winner of the Grand Prix would stay under contract for a final appearance.

Officials had previously stated Cormier (10-0), who defeated Josh Barnett in the Grand Prix finals in May, would head to the UFC in 2013.

Fertitta stated Mir was approved to head to Strikeforce only after discussions took place with Fox Network, which the UFC entered into a seven-year broadcasting deal with in August 2011.

More at ESPN

Owner/Editor of SevereMMA.com. Writer, Podcaster, Producer of 'Notorious: Conor McGregor' film, 'Conor McGregor: Notorious' TV series, 'Ten Thousand Hours', 'The Fighting Irish' and more documentary films.
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