Coker Reacts to UFC Counter-Programming; Latest on Fedor, M-1 Talks

Strikeforce CEO Scott Coker is making good on his ambitious plans to create big-name matchups between the best from Japan's Dream promotion and his own stateside stars.

Dream lightweight champion Shinya Aoki will face Strikeforce's lightweight titleholder Gilbert Melendez at Strikeforce "Nashville" on April 17 at the Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Tenn. The bout -- a milestone for the sport in terms of relevant cross-promotion -- will broadcast live with at least two other championship fights on CBS.

"A year ago I said I was going to do it, so I'm going to check it off my bucket list," said Coker, who added that Melendez-Aoki is the first official bout "sanctioned" by Dream, though only the Strikeforce title will be on the line.

In this exclusive video interview, Coker explains how he's been able to create and keep a fluid partnership between Strikeforce and the sometimes tricky Japanese MMA circuit.

The veteran promoter also discusses his reaction to the UFC's counter-programming campaign and gives the latest on Strikeforce's re-negotiations with M-1 Global, which reps Fedor Emelianenko.