Strikeforce Confirms March 5 Show in Columbus, Ohio

Strikeforce’s roster of fighters might want to practice on their version of ‘Script Ohio’ because the organization’s debut in the Buckeye State has finally been confirmed.

The San Jose, Calif.-based promotion will make its Ohio debut on March 5 at the Nationwide Arena in Columbus during the same weekend as the annual Arnold Classic.

Strikeforce CEO Scott Coker confirmed the show when appearing on MMAWeekly Radio Wednesday evening. He did stop short however of confirming any bouts, but said the organization plans on making an announcement fairly soon about that.

“Yep, that fight is coming to the Arnolds,” Coker said about the Ohio show. “There’s been a lot of rumors out there, but the fights are not set yet. Even the main event, I’ve heard rumors that (Dan) Henderson and (Rafael) Feijao’s a done deal, but that’s not true. We’ll probably have an announcement sometime early next week.

“The venue’s booked, everything’s done, we’re coming for sure.”

Several other bouts have been rumored for the Ohio fight card including a middleweight match-up between Jason “Mayhem” Miller and Tim Kennedy. Coker didn’t rule out any potential fight making the Ohio card, but nothing has been finalized yet.

The fight card will air on Showtime on March 5, with at least four televised bouts on the Saturday night show.

This event will mark the first time in four years the UFC hasn’t held a show in Ohio during the weekend of the Arnold Classic, so Strikeforce has stepped up and put on a card with thousands of fans already in attendance for the fitness expo.