Bellator vs. Strikeforce

Attribute	Bellator	Strikeforce
Founded	2008	1985
Owner	ViacomCBS	Scott Coker
Notable Fighters	Michael Chandler, Patricio Freire	Daniel Cormier, Gilbert Melendez
Events	Regular events	Major events
TV Deals	Paramount Network, DAZN	Showtime, CBS

History

Bellator and Strikeforce are two of the most well-known mixed martial arts (MMA) promotions in the world. Bellator was founded in 2008 by Bjorn Rebney, while Strikeforce was founded in 1985 as a kickboxing promotion before transitioning to MMA in 2006. Both promotions have had their fair share of success over the years, with Bellator gaining popularity for its tournament format and Strikeforce known for its roster of top fighters.

Ownership

Bellator is currently owned by ViacomCBS, a major media conglomerate, which has helped the promotion secure lucrative television deals and increase its exposure to a wider audience. On the other hand, Strikeforce was acquired by Zuffa, the parent company of the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC), in 2011 before eventually being absorbed into the UFC brand. This acquisition marked the end of Strikeforce as an independent promotion.

Fighter Roster

Both Bellator and Strikeforce have featured some of the best fighters in the world at various points in their histories. Bellator has a mix of established veterans and up-and-coming prospects, with fighters like Michael Chandler, Patricio Freire, and Douglas Lima making a name for themselves in the promotion. Strikeforce, on the other hand, had a roster that included legends like Fedor Emelianenko, Dan Henderson, and Nick Diaz, who helped elevate the promotion's status in the MMA world.

Events

Bellator and Strikeforce have both put on memorable events over the years, featuring exciting fights and high production values. Bellator has a reputation for its unique tournament format, which has produced some epic matchups and created opportunities for fighters to earn title shots. Strikeforce, on the other hand, was known for its Strikeforce Challengers series, which showcased up-and-coming talent and provided a platform for fighters to prove themselves on a bigger stage.

Television Deals

One of the key differences between Bellator and Strikeforce is their television deals. Bellator has a partnership with Showtime, which has helped the promotion reach a wider audience and secure a consistent platform for its events. Strikeforce, on the other hand, had a deal with Showtime before being acquired by Zuffa, which eventually led to the promotion being absorbed into the UFC brand and its events being broadcast on UFC Fight Pass.

Legacy

Both Bellator and Strikeforce have left a lasting impact on the MMA world, with each promotion contributing to the growth and popularity of the sport. Bellator's tournament format and focus on developing new talent have helped it carve out a niche in the industry, while Strikeforce's roster of top fighters and memorable events have solidified its place in MMA history. Ultimately, both promotions have played a significant role in shaping the landscape of MMA and providing fans with unforgettable moments inside the cage.