Top 5 Stories of the Week

Strikeforce champion Luke Rockhold bowed out of a title defense. | Credit: Esther Lin/Showtime

Injuries to former UFC heavyweight champion Frank Mir, 2004 Olympic silver medalist Sara McMann and reigning middleweight titleholder Luke Rockhold forced Strikeforce to cancel its second consecutive event, scheduled for Nov. 3 in Oklahoma City.

The move leaves the promotion in limbo, closed for business for the remainder of 2012. Zuffa officials announced plans for a Strikeforce return in January. By then, five months will have passed between events. The promotion’s Sept. 29 show was scratched on just one week’s notice following lightweight champion Gilbert Melendez’s withdrawal from his headlining title defense against Pat Healy.

Other stories of interest this week include the suspension of Jake Shields following a positive test for a banned substance, Strikeforce heavyweight grand prix winner Daniel Cormier floating the idea of coaching opposite Jon Jones on “The Ultimate Fighter,” the retirement of three-time All-American wrestler Shane Roller and the continuing legal troubles of UFC lightweight Jeremy Stephens.

Top 5 Stories of the Week

Closed Until 2013

Shields Suspended

‘Ultimate’ Coaches

Rolling Away

Hot Water for ‘Lil’ Heathen’