Scott Coker 'Optimistic' About Strikeforce's Future, Showtime Deal

Strikeforce isn't out of the woods just yet.

Despite recent reports, the promotion has yet to negotiate a renewal on their expiring broadcasting partnership with Showtime. Nonetheless, according to Strikeforce CEO Scott Coker, things are looking a lot brighter than they were a few months ago.

"I'm optimistic at this point," Coker said on Tuesday's Strikeforce: Melendez vs. Masvidal conference call. "We've done our part to grow the sport, and that's going to continue. There's still a lot of great fighters on the roster. And we're going to keep building these fighters. We're going to continue putting on great fights. To me, that's not going to change.

"We'll just have to wait and see," Coker concluded. "But I think things are going well, and I think we'll have something to announce soon."

Zuffa President Dana White echoed Coker's optimism following Saturday's The Ultimate Fighter 14 Finale. When asked if Strikeforce would continue to operate in 2012, White was surprisingly candid.

"I can't talk about it yet. It's not done, but yes," the UFC President said to Heavy MMA. "I have a very good feeling that ... things are going to go well with Showtime."

Strikeforce's contract with Showtime expires in March 2012. MMA Nation will continue to follow this story as it develops.