Matt Hughes Thinks Strikeforce Will Go Out Of Business And Talks Renzo Gracie

Hughes blogs about Strikeforce's inability to find Robbie Lawler and replacement to fight when Trevor Prangley pulled out of the fight:

 Last week I was in California with Robbie, Pena, and Foster, hoping they would find a replacement so Robbie could fight. It didn’t happen and I guess I’m just spoiled being with the UFC. From what I understand, Showtime really likes to stick their nose in Strikeforce’s business and because of that I don’t think that Strikeforce will be around for much longer

I don't know if I agree with his assessment on this part, because the likely hood that Lawler will fight on the January Strikeforce card is pretty high.  However, I do agree with his thoughts that Showtime is trying to control Strikeforce to a degree.  I guess we'll just have to wait until it all unfolds in 2010, especially if Strikeforce holds true to the fact that they will run around 20 shows next year.  

Then Hughes turns his attention to Renzo Gracie.  Apparently, there are quite a few people questioning why Hughes would fight Renzo.  Hughes answers and gives rare high praise to one of his opponents:

Been some talk about Renzo and some people are wondering why I would fight him. I think he is a very formidable opponent and I would say he is the best of the Gracies. I don’t think it would be fair to compare him to Royce. Renzo and I have some history as he is the last guy to beat Pat Miletich and I have beat a couple of his students. I beat Ricardo Almeda back in Abu Dhabi and I just got done beating Matt Serra. Both motivating reasons for us to fight each other. One thing I’ll say about Renzo is that he is one of the nicest guys out there, but that won’t stop me from keeping myself motivated and doing my job. It was great to get with Matt Pena last week and start working on some things. I already know what to stay away from on the ground.

HT: matt-hughes.com