The Weekly Wrap: Sept. 19 - Sept. 25

Strikeforce Signs Walker

Strikeforce announced that Herschel Walker, the 47-year-old retired NFL football player, will make his MMA debut for the promotion at heavyweight. No date or opponent was announced. Walker, a two-time Pro Bowler and former Heisman Trophy winner, will start an eight- to 12-week training camp next month at the American Kickboxing Academy in San Jose, Calif., under trainer and Strikeforce matchmaker Bob Cook. Walker has trained extensively in tae kwon do and has dabbled in muay Thai.

Strikeforce official Mike Aframowitz told the Sherdog Radio Network’s “Beatdown” show that the promotion observed Walker training and was most impressed with his wrestling. He said Strikeforce would match Walker with someone younger but equally inexperienced, as an athletic commission would not approve anything more for his debut. Walker told Fox Sports Radio he was looking at a December or January debut and will donate his pay to charity. He framed the fight as an opportunity to show men his age they could still make an honest run in the sport.

The signing garnered sports media buzz, including a mention on ESPN, which was likely the overarching goal for Strikeforce in making the deal. UFC President Dana White ripped the signing, calling it “completely disrespectful to the sport” because of Walker’s age. The Tapout clothiers disagreed, quickly signing Walker to a deal to produce a signature T-shirt for his debut.