Who Should Be Herschel Walker's Next Opponent?

Almost every fan of the Mixed Martial Arts knows about the former football legend's debut fight in the
Strikeforce promotion. The forty-seven year old proved many critics wrong in that he did deserve to be considered a mixed martial artist. At times he looked confused while fighting on the ground but Walker still impressed skeptics with his stand up game and wrestling skills. The former Running back soundly beat his opponent via Technical Knock due to strikes in the third round. Now with his record at one win and zero losses, the black-belt in TaeKwon-Do has expressed interest in pursuing additional fights. There has been much talk about who may be the next opponent for Walker and it has garnered headlines on various websites. One possible option is disgraced former Major League Baseball player Jose Canseco.

The Strikeforce promotion has stated that they have no interest in promoting a fight with Canseco. Many MMA analysts and fans believe that Canseco is not serious about competing and just looking for paycheck. Herschel Walker will never be a top twenty heavyweight but he is a legitimate fighter with great athleticism and some skills. Despite his excellent athleticism, his age and lack of experience is still a factor when competing against other marquee fighters. However, Walker has commercial appeal and brings additional fans to watch Strikeforce broadcasts. Strikeforce knows this and are looking for a suitable opponent for him.

There is one fighter that would be a good fit as Walker's next opponent. He is also a former professional football player. His name is Carlton Haselrig.

Haselrig is forty-four years old and played for five seasons in the National Football League for the Pittsburgh Steelers and New York Jets. He was eventually drafted out of college in the twelfth round by Pittsburgh despite never playing College Football. Haselrig, was chosen to play because of his intelligence and athleticism as collegiate wrestler. He was a 3 time Division One and Division Two Champion (Six Titles total) for the University of Pittsburgh at Johnstown. Haselrig never lost in his 122 matches in collegiate wrestling. His one non-victory was a draw. He has been regarded by many as being one of the most dominating collegiate wrestlers ever.
He continued his dominance in sports competition as an offensive Guard in the NFL. He was even selected for the Pro-Bowl one year. Sadly, an addiction to drugs and alcohol caused him to miss games and player/coach meetings. He was cut by both teams and eventually suspended from the NFL. After his suspension he never did play in the NFL again. His life went in a downward spiral as he spent time in prison on several occasions for various criminal charges.

Haselrig soon took up the sport of Mixed Martial Arts at an age when most fighters are years into their retirement.
He has a respectable record of three wins and two losses but it is apparent that his athleticism isn't what it was twenty years ago. Like Walker, he won't ever be a top tier fighter. Haselrig, has supposedly beaten his addiction and a fight on national TV against Walker would be a big test for both men. In the case of Haselrig, it would also be a great story of redemption. Hopefully, Strikeforce will make this fight happen.