Strikeforce
Zuffa to pay fighters following cancellation of Strikeforce "Melendez vs. Healy"
Sep 25, 2012 - 10:25:17 PM Zuffa to pay fighters following cancellation of Strikeforce "Melendez vs. Healy"

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By: Jamie Penick, MMATorch Editor-in-Chief

With Strikeforce canceling this Saturday night's event in Sacramento due to the injury to headliner Gilbert Melendez, there wasn't a clear idea of what was next for the rest of the fighters scheduled for the card. There's some idea now, as a report from MMAJunkie.com states that Zuffa plans on compensating the 19 other fighters who were displaced by the event's cancellation.

Though they didn't get firm numbers, the report states that all the fighters are expected to receive at least their "show" money from Zuffa.

Fighters under the Authentic Sports Management banner were confirmed at that, with the management group's publicist, Jen Wenk, commenting on two of the fighters.

"I cannot give you amounts because the financials involved are private, but I can tell you that Zuffa is taking very good care of Jorge Santiago and Yuri Villefort," said Wenk.

Main card fighter Josh Thomson also confirmed that he was promised pay for the event, commenting, "They're taking care of us and it must be said, I truly appreciate it!"

Per the report, Zuffa was not obligated to make any payouts, as the event had been canceled more than 24-hours in advance and bout contracts with the California State Athletic Commission had not yet been signed. However, they have opted to do so anyway.

Penick's Analysis: That was the right move by Zuffa officials, and not really unexpected at all. They took care of the displaced UFC 151 fighters who weren't immediately booked, and they've paid fighters who have had their bouts canceled on late notice in the past as well. They'll typically take care of the fighters in the case of these types of unforeseen circumstances. It doesn't make the cancellation any less unfortunate, and indeed none will receive as much as they would have with a win during the event, but it's something to tide them over until they can get rebooked. For some, that could be a longer wait time, especially in Strikeforce, but that's where they're at this week.