During an interview at Bellator 19, Bellator founder and CEO Bjorn Rebney stated that he is committed to making it happen. "Eddie was lighting up my cell phone within minutes of Gilbert calling him out in his post-fight - saying come on! Let's do it!" All he has to do is get ahold of Strikeforce CEO Scott Coker and work out the terms. He seems to be very determined and will probably make any concessions or compromises needed to see it through. What a fantastic fight (not to mention an excellent precedent to be set in the sport) if it comes off.
Let's see it. Now SF has to take the step UFC does not want to take. Work with a smaller organisation and let them benefit from your name. This is a great fight for Melendez. SF give Melendez the chance to go round unifying all the belts and slowly positioning himself higher up the rankings.
I favor Gilbert too, but not with supreme confidence. You don't give Eddie any chance to pull the upset? Imagine how that would mess things up? Who would be considered "the man" of the division then? Alvarez? Edgar? Would that force the UFC to follow suit and allow one of their guys to unify with a smaller promotion in Bellator, lest Strikeforce look ballsier?
A fight I have wanted to see for a long time. Guaranteed fireworks. I think Alvarez would take it, but it truly is a pick 'em fight.
Everyone has a chance but I think Gil is a good fighter. Good hands but generally a good all rounder. I hope Gil wins so he gets legitimacy. Not happy with his post fight brawl but still a quality fighter. UFC would always promote their guys as the number 1 fighter and with Edgar beating Penn there is legitimacy there.