Scott Coker happy so far, insists Strikeforce are in this for the long haul

Strikeforce CEO, Scott Coker has been speaking about the recent progress the promotion has made in the world of MMA over the past twelve months, revealing he’s happy with where they are but insisting the promotion is in this for the long haul.

Speaking via MMAJunkie.com, Coker said:

“If you really think about the amazing growth of Strikeforce, and this is all the last 11 months now – our first fight was April 10 of 2009 when Frank Shamrock fought Nick Diaz – at that time, I had certain benchmarks," Coker said. "I wanted to get Gina Carano back in the cage. I want to build our roster and build some of the great fighters that I know are out there and available. I want to get DREAM to come and compete here.”

“Fedor wasn't even in the equation, but for us to be deliver Fedor on CBS, and for that to be a Strikeforce and M-1 co-promotion, I mean, I think every goal that we set out last year, we've done that and then some. The growth has been amazing, and I really feel honored and fortunate to have networks like CBS and Showtime because they're very vested in this program, and they love mixed martial arts. Because of guys like (Showtime executive) Ken Hershman, we get to see the amazing fights that Strikeforce is able to put together. If it wasn't for the networks backing it up, we wouldn't be able to put the fights on. It's an amazing time for Strikeforce, and I think this year will be another amazing year. Fedor will be back, and I think that the fight in Nashville is going to be another benchmark in having Dan Henderson come.”

“I tell you, It's the inaugural fight with Dan Henderson, which I've been a fan of Dan's for a long time – since way back in the PRIDE days – so to have him fight for Strikeforce is a privilege and an honor. For him to fight our champion right off the bat, and that ended up being what Dan wanted to do, I think it's going to be an amazing showcase of two of the world's best fighters testing the skills.”

“We're going to be in this for a long time, and a year from now, it's probably going to be the same thing. The difference between our company and the other companies that went out of business before us is that this is our core business. We've been doing this for 25 years, and I think we're very good at it. My partners that are with me now have made us 10-times more efficient, and they're very good at what they do, and they bring very smart business prowess to Strikeforce. I feel very lucky. To Strikeforce's fans: Thank you for the support. We're going to do 20 fights in a 12 month period. Continue supporting us; we truly appreciate it.”

Strikeforce could be set to go head-to-head with their direct competitors, the UFC on April 17th. The California based promotion are set to put on a trio of title fights in Nashville, Tennessee, while the UFC are looking to hastily arrange an event to counter them.

By Michael Pepper. (Follow me on Twitter)