Strikeforce to Host Women's Bantamweight and Featherweight Tournaments Starting This April

It's been pushed back from their initial announcement, but Scott Coker says that the 8-woman 135 and 145 lb tourneys will finally kick off on their Challenger's card this April, with the quarterfinals, and semifinals 'sprinkled' over their next few events.

Much like what it does for the Japanese promotions, hosting these tournaments is a great way to market the fighters and build new stars, which is a necessity for women's MMA who's only has two popular Strikeforce fighters. Here's the bad news though, we won't be seeing Gina Carano fight her way through the competition to get another shot at Cris Cyborg, nor will we see their top 135 lb fighter, Sarah Kaufman. Scott Coker explains why:

"We’re looking for the next women to fight the Gina Caranos and the Cris Cyborgs of the world."

...

"I think we’re going to be promoting Sarah against (Takayo) Hashi for our (vacant) 135-pound title. I think that fight’s happening sooner than later -- February or March, for sure."

So on February or March, Sarah Kaufman (10-0) will fight Takayo Hashi (12-1) to crown their 135-pound champ, and presumably the winner of the 8-woman, bantamweight tourney will then face off against the winner.

But what about America's darling and the 'Face of Women's MMA', Gina Carano? Coker hasn't announced the plans for her yet, but I'd like to see Gina face the winner of the 145-lb tourney, for a shot Cris Cyborg's belt.

Wouldn't mind seeing Carano or Kaufman in that mix, especially Carano she needs that challenge if she wants to get near Cyborg's level. but whatever. They're trying to build up some of these other girls.

I have no problem with Cyborg not being in it. Her presence would kind of make it pointless, cause we know darn well she'd win it.

But tourney's are alway's fun.

I like it. Lets see these chicks fight!

This is great. Sara doesn't need to be in the tourney but Gina could have really used the fights to gain experience.

Strikeforce taking command of the women's side of the sport is great for their future.

Not to be typical, but i actually hope Kyra Gracie debuts in this thing.

I love this idea

I think Carano is deciding whether or not she wants to be in movies or in a cage