It appears that Frank Mir will be the first fighter to cross from the UFC to Strikeforce when he faces Strikeforce Heavyweight Grand Prix Champion Daniel Cormier this fall. The reports nix original reports that Cormier would face former UFC champion Tim Sylvia in his final UFC fight. USA Today reported the match up citing sources from both the UFC and Strikeforce.
UFC President Dana White had this to say about the matchup:
“The reality is, Cormier is one of the best heavyweights in the world. He just won the grand prix and beat Josh Barnett. He needs to fight opponents of that caliber, and Frank Mir is that guy.”
Frank Mir last fought at UFC 146, where he lost to UFC heavyweight champion Junior Dos Santos. The loss stopped a three-fight win-streak for the former UFC champion.
While this may seem odd while lightweight champion Gilbert Melendez cannot find a UFC opponent, it is important to remember that Strikeforce had already decided to scrap the heavyweight division. So while Mir could win and immediately rejoin the UFC, any lightweight who defeated Melendez for the title would have to remain with Strikeforce.
The Mir vs. Cormier fight will take place this fall.
UPDATE
It was originally reported the bout would co-headline “Strikeforce: Melendez vs. Healy” but it appears the bout will actually take place later in the fall according to original reporter John Morgan‘s twitter account.
No sooner than it breaks, there’s already a little change. Cormier-Mir will now take place at a soon-to-be-announced event in Oct. or Nov. It’s still a Strikeforce card, and further details are expected soon as to whether or not it is the main event, a title fight, etc.