Zuffa Takes Out Strikeforce Amateur Bouts

**PizDoff** · Posted On: 3/27/2011 7:59pm

Zuffa Takes Out Strikeforce Amateur Bouts

Following the news that Zuffa, Parent Company of Ultimate Fighting Championship, Purchases Strikeforce, Strikeforce has stopped featuring amateur fights.

According to GracieFighter.com, the UFC has informed the San Jose-based promotion that amateur fights will no longer be included in upcoming events.

"Strikeforce has eliminated all amateur fights from their shows. The California Amateur Mixed Martial Arts Organization (CAMO) will play no part in any Strikeforce shows. The organization had been used extensively in Strikeforce.

According to Strikeforce officials, they had been told to refrain from having any further amateur fights. Word came from their parent company (the UFC) that this will be their policy henceforth." - GracieFighter.com

Strikeforce would normally feature one-two up and coming fighters, with local amatuer talent in sub-brand Strikeforce Challengers.

How do you guys feel about this?

**socalpankration** · Posted On: 3/27/2011 8:22pm

Although is a very good experience for amateurs to fight in a large promotion like Strikeforce, they should focus on providing opportunities for other entry level professional fighters rather than amateurs

***Omega Supreme*** · Posted On: 3/27/2011 9:11pm

California has abused it's amateur fighting organization. I don't believe there should ever be mixed shows.

**socalpankration** · Posted On: 3/27/2011 9:50pm

There has to be an obvious separation between Amateur and Pro MMA or our entry level professional fighters will continue to suffer while the young amateurs get exploited.

Everyone losses except promoters when Amateurs fight in professional looking shows with no added safety equipment even if they can sell tickets for keep 10 - 20%.

Pro events shouldn't be as expensive either, some of the commission fat could be trimmed allowing the smaller promoters to make a little extra cheese.

***Omega Supreme*** · Posted On: 3/27/2011 9:54pm

Originally Posted by socalpankration

There has to be an obvious separation between Amateur and Pro MMA or our entry level professional fighters will continue to suffer while the young amateurs get exploited.

Everyone losses except promoters when Amateurs fight in professional looking shows with no added safety equipment even if they can sell tickets for keep 10 - 20%.

Pro events shouldn't be as expensive either, some of the commission fat could be trimmed allowing the smaller promoters to make a little extra cheese.

Agreed.

**socalpankration** · Posted On: 3/27/2011 9:58pm

Its is now out in the open that CAMO is not needed to promote amateur MMA in California. The Athletic Commission will now sanction Amateur and Pro/AM MMA shows but fighters must wear head gear and shin guards.

CSAC Amateur MMA promoters dont have to pay for a annual $500 CAMO license and $2,5000 CAMO event fee or $250 CAMO fee per fight for a Pro/ AM show. Plus the fighters don't have to pay the $110 CAMO license to compete.

They do have to provide fingerprints for a background check, primary medical coverage for fighters, professional referees and allow amateurs to wear safety gear when fighting.

***Omega Supreme*** · Posted On: 3/27/2011 10:29pm

Where did you find this out and where does this leave Pankration?

**bobyclumsyninja** · Posted On: 3/27/2011 10:46pm

This only makes sense. Pro is pro, ammy is ammy. They should be separate. Don't have people competing for free, at a money-making event. If they are making money (tickets/whatever), then they're not amateurs, really.

There are plenty of under-appreciated pros that need fights.

***Omega Supreme*** · Posted On: 3/27/2011 11:03pm

Tell me about it, I have a pro who can't seem to get a fight because of the amateur circuit in CA.

**bobyclumsyninja** · Posted On: 3/27/2011 11:51pm

Originally Posted by Omega

Tell me about it, I have a pro who can't seem to get a fight because of the amateur circuit in CA.

So the charge ammy fighters, instead of paying pros? As hard as pro fighting is, you'd hope if guys/gals want to fight, and can be medically cleared, then there should be available slots.