It has now been announced that Strikeforce has signed former King of Pancrase Maximo Blanco to a multi-fight contract. With this taking effect, what is the promotional plan with him? There are many possibilities for him in the organization, but if not properly utilized, then it could really backfire on them.
His record is 8-2-1 (1 NC). He has won his last six fights, most notably scoring a TKO victory over former Strikeforce title contender Rodrigo Damm. In April it was announced that he would vacate his King of Pancrase title because he was unable to defend it due to numerous injuries.
Now that it is official that Maximo will be fighting under the Zuffa banner, what will be the first move for the company? Gilbert Melendez is in need of an opponent, but recently stated that his next fight will most likely be outside of Strikeforce. Would the company want to set him up with a big test in the likes of Tatsuya Kawajiri or a Josh Thompson type of contender? Or would they want him to start low and work his way up? A person like Pat Healy or Lyle Beerbohm would be a good stepping stone to build his name up to American fans.
He is a highly looked upon fighter, but does he have the tools to defeat Gilbert Melendez, or any of the top-tier lightweights that Strikeforce has to offer? There is no doubt he could beat a lot of the top guys in the division, but adapting to the cage may be a tough obstacle for him. At the current moment in time, I’d say that Gilbert would most likely run through him in a cage and Maximo wouldn’t receive the credit that he deserves.
Truth be told, Maximo needs five solid wins under the Strikeforce banner, but with the lack of depth of the roster, three wins may earn him a shot at Gilbert Melendez.
This is the best prospect that Strikeforce has acquired since being bought by Zuffa; now is the time to capitalize on it. Maximo is a very explosive fighter, so expect great things out of this new talent.
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