5 Strikeforce Fighters the UFC Should Sign Right Now

With Strikeforce dwindling and Zuffa in command, it's time for the UFC to start picking fruit from its own garden.

For years, fans dreamed about potential super fights involving the best of Strikeforce facing the best in the UFC. When Zuffa purchased the San Jose-based promotion in March 2011, it was a forgone conclusion by fans that they would finally get the fights they have been waiting to see.

Now, we are more than a year into the UFC-Strikeforce deal, and there are a plethora of world-class names still locked up in Strikeforce contracts.

Strikeforce is certainly great for the UFC to have around, but unfortunately, everyone can't cut it at the UFC level. It doesn't mean fans don't enjoy watching them fight; Strikeforce gives UFC castoffs another outlet to compete at a high level and stay relevant in the MMA world.

With that said, though, there are fighters currently on the Strikeforce roster who can compete in the UFC and make a run at a world title.

Here are five Strikeforce fighters the UFC should sign right now.

Ronda Rousey signing a UFC contract would hold a historical significance that can't be matched by any other person on this list. People have often compared Rousey to female MMA icon Gina Carano, but "Rowdy" has made strides in the sport that even trumps the former face of women's MMA.

Along with appearances on ESPN and various other major sporting outlets, Rousey was a guest coach on "The Ultimate Fighter" Season 15, which airs on FX.

UFC president Dana White has often expressed his disinterest in creating a women's division in the UFC, but with the 135-pound division growing in talent, it could only be a matter of time before the ladies are scrapping on the big stage.

Rafael "Feijao" Cavalcante is easily one of the most underrated light heavyweights in the world. His jarring knockout power and ever-improving takedown defense make him a legitimate threat to anybody at 205 pounds.

People tend to forget about Cavalcante's vicious knockout win over former undefeated Strikeforce champ Muhammed "King Mo" Lawal.

"DC" is a superhero in the MMA world right now.

After entering the Strikeforce Heavyweight Grand Prix as an alternate, Daniel Cormier defeated Antonio "Bigfoot" Silva and Josh Barnett to win the entire tournament.

Cormier is a superstar on the rise, and the UFC's already stacked heavyweight division would receive a tremendous jolt with his acquisition.

Whether you love him or hate him, Josh Barnett is the most deserving individual on this list for a UFC contract.

A former UFC heavyweight champion, Barnett is a legend in the sport and a future Hall of Famer. He also proved in his first-round submission win over Sergei Kharitonov that he still is a viable top-10 heavyweight.

Gilbert Melendez signing with the UFC has been a long time coming. The Strikeforce lightweight champion is considered by some to be the No. 1 fighter in the world at 155 pounds.

It's time for Melendez to face the best in the world. While Josh Thomson and Jorge Masvidal are incredibly tough individuals, neither fighter cracks the top 10 rankings.