Just under two weeks ago, welterweight fighter Jay Hieron (19-4) announced on his Twitter account that he’d been released from his Strikeforce contract. Hieron recently came out to say that he “jumped the gun” and is still under contract with Strikeforce.
Hieron spoke to MMAFighting.com about the current situation and his plans to fight in 2010.
“I jumped the gun. We’re working on it. Strikeforce is a good organization. I’ve had a good time fighting for them but I’m looking to the future. We haven’t cut ties yet. We’re working on a few things. But I’m in the gym every day and I’m definitely going to fight again in 2010….”
“Everything’s looking good right now. I’m definitely going to fight in 2010. There’s definitely offers out there, but there’s a couple things I’m going to work out. Hopefully we’ll be signed soon and fighting. I want to be the best in the world and going through all the stuff I’ve gone through has made me stronger.”
Hieron is currently on a seven fight winning streak that includes winning, and defending, the first ever IFL welterweight title. He’s fought twice under the Strikeforce banner, most recently against Joe Riggs at Strikeforce: Miami in January of this year. He had been scheduled to face Nick Diaz for the Strikeforce welterweight title but Diaz missed a pre-fight drug test and was denied a license to fight on the Strikeforce: Carano vs. Cyborg event.
Since Strikeforce has overlooked him on a couple of occasions as a legitimate opponent for Diaz, I don’t see Hieron staying. It’s been seven months since he’s competed and I would expect that once he gets out of his Strikeforce contract, we’ll see him looking towards the UFC for his next fight.