Fedor loses again! Henderson’s power turns out the lights

Facing a third straight loss, Fedor Emelianenko tried some new tricks before and during his fight against Dan Henderson. But his opponent was simply better and a little more resilient in the main event of Strikeforce's event at the Sears Centre Arena in Hoffman Estates, Ill.

Just seconds away from possibly losing the fight after a Fedor barrage, Henderson kept his wits, pulled off a nifty escape and landed an uppercut that changed the fight. That one punch plopped Fedor straight down on his face where Henderson landed three more shots and referee Herb Dean chose to save the fallen former champ at 4:12 of the first round.

From 2000-08, Emelianenko was considered one of the top three mixed martial arts fighters, if not the top fighter, in the world. He reeled off 31 wins without a legitimate loss (only loss due to fight stopped because of a cut) .

But it's been a rough run recently for the former PRIDE king. He lost via shocking submission to Fabricio Werdum, was dominated by a massive heavyweight in Antonio Silva and Saturday, he was stopped via strikes for the first time in his career by the Strikeforce light heavyweight champ, who came into the fight giving away 16 pounds.

Henderson (28-8) fought 18 times in PRIDE in Japan, so he's well aware of Fedor's place in the sport.

"I've been a huge fan of Fedor forever and I respect him so much as a fighter, and what he has done for the sport," Henderson told Showtime's Gus Johnson. "For me, [this win] is a huge accomplishment compared to a lot of the things I've done in this sport."

The finish was as shocking as it was exciting, simply because it happened so quickly.

Henderson, 40, got off to a quick start, but Emelianenko seemed to get back into the fight when he drilled his opponent with a nice combination that backed him up. Then Fedor landed a thudding left uppercut that dropped Henderson near the cage. Emelianenko went in for the kill without securing top control. He got off three shots that grazed Henderson, but the former Olympic Greco-Roman wrestler used his grappling to grab Fedor's right knee and pull him off. Henderson immediately jumped behind him and unleashed a vicious right uppercut under Fedor's right arm. The impact was delayed for a split second and then Fedor fell flat on his face. Henderson jumped on top, landed two more rights and a left. That's when the referee arrived to save Fedor. All that in roughly nine seconds.

Fedor (31-4, 1 NC) told Johnson, he thought the fight was stopped prematurely.

"I think it was early. I don't want to say anything bad about the referee, but it seemed to me like it was early," Emelianenko said through an interpreter. "I was clearly hit, but wasn't hit flush, directly. It seems like I could've continued."

It was hard to say either way. Fedor did appear stunned as he sat up after the finish, but far from rocked.

Fedor, 34, was non-committal about his future, saying it's God's will whether he fights again. Ultimately, it probably won't be Emelianenko's choice. Emelianenko was reportedly making $1.5 million for this fight. With three straight losses, it's hard to imagine Dana White and company retaining his services.

Henderson's future is also in doubt. This was the last fight on his contract and he'd be a natural to slide back over to the UFC where he was 5-2 during two stints with the bigger promotion. Henderson left the UFC back in 2009, signing a big deal with Strikeforce. He could easily move back into the UFC's 205 or 185 division and be an immediate title contender.

Related: Strikeforce, Fedor Emelianenko, Dan Henderson, Strikeforce: Fedor vs. Henderson

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Strikeforce: Hendo vs. Fedor Results

What a fight.

Those are the only three words that can be used to describe the explosive main event that emanated from the Sears Centre in Hoffman Estates, Illinois between legendary fighters Fedor Emelianenko and Dan Henderson.

Pundits agreed that it was likely the two would bring the artillery, but few imagined just how much ammo both had in their tank.

From the opening bell Emelianenko rushed the centre of the cage, throwing heavy leather and landing big shots.

Henderson was not to be outdone and brought much of the same, forcing the crowd into an uproar. The two legends came to entertain and produced a masterpiece of a fight.

As the round was entering its fifth minute, Emelianenko put together a solid combination of punches that hurt Henderson, sending him down. When Emelianenko went to capitalize, Henderson popped out the back, landing a sneaky uppercut, dropping the all-time great.

Emelianenko went down to the mat and looked hurt as referee Herb Dean rushed in to call the fight, giving Henderson the monumental win.

The loss marks three straight for Emelianenko and more than likely his ticket out of Strikeforce.

In the co-main event, Marloes Coenen took on Meisha Tate in an attempt to defend her 135lb. championship.

As expected early, Tate used her wrestling to put the fight on the mat. Coenen, known for impressive submissions from her back, worked hard to reverse position and out grapple Tate, however struggled to gain advantageous positions.
Coenen took back control for most of the third, coming close to a rear naked choke on multiple attempts to no avail.

The fourth saw Tate kick things up a notch, going on the offensive and really pushing the pace. Tate shocked MMA fans around the world by submitting Coenen, who is widely regarded as one of the best female submission mixed martial artists on the planet.

Tim Kennedy continued his purge towards a rematch with middleweight champion Ronaldo Souza with an impressive unanimous decision victory over Robbie Lawler. His ability to mix up his striking game and integrate his wrestling proved too much for the MMA veteran.

Paul Daley did his best to fend off the young up and coming Tyron Woodley, but a lack of wrestling and ability to fend from the clinch cost the former title contender.

Daley tried to tee off, but Woodley showed impressive boxing and defence, getting to the inside and slowing the pace. It may not have been the most thrilling fight, but Woodley did enough to take a unanimous decision.

In a dismal performance, Scott Smith was thoroughly outworked by the younger, faster and better Tarec Saffiedine.
Through three rounds Smith looked flat, unable to pull the trigger and leaning against the cage while Saffiedine teed off. A late rally attempt came up short and Saffiedine took a unanimous dominant decision.

Main Card

Dan Henderson def. Fedor Emelianenko via TKO (punches) – Round 1, 4:12

Miesha Tate def. Marloes Coenen via submission (arm-triangle choke) – Round 4, 3:03 (to become new women’s bantamweight champion)

Tim Kennedy def. Robbie Lawler via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)

Tyron Woodley def. Paul Daley via unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)

Tarec Saffiedine def. Scott Smith via unanimous decision (30-26, 30-27, 30-27)

Preliminary Card

Gesias Cavalcante def. Bobby Green via split decision (29-28, 28-29, 29-28)

Tyler Stinson def. Eduardo Pamplona via knockout (punch) – Round 1, 0:15

Alexis Davis def. Julie Kedzie via unanimous decision (29-28, 30-27, 30-27)

Derek Brunson def. Lumumba Sayers via submission (rear-naked choke) – Round 1, 4:33

Gabriel Salinas-Jones def. Bryan Humes via submission (D’Arce choke) – Round 3, 1:19

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“Strikeforce: Fedor vs. Henderson” – 8,311 attendance and $638K live gate

MMA Junkie reports that 8,311 fans attended Saturday night’s Strikeforce event for a gate of $638,470. The event took place at the Sears Centre Arena outside of Chicago.

Via MMA Junkie:

This year’s Chicago-area show featured a heavyweight headliner between MMA legends Dan Henderson and Emelianenko. Thanks largely to that super-fight, most tickets were sold more than a week before the show, which Coker suggested was the most talent-rich in the organization’s history.

In comparison, June’s Strikeforce event, Overeem vs. Werdum, held at the American Airlines Center in Dallas had 7,639 in attendance for a total gate of $543,060.

Payout Perspective:

The main event is likely what everyone came to see and the action did not disappoint. We will leave it up to you to determine whether the fight was stopped too early. It will be interesting to see what will happen next to both Fedor and Henderson. If Fedor is cut from Strikeforce, it will have dismissed the two fighters it had hoped would meet in the finals of its Heavyweight Grand Prix. How ironic. With Overeem being cut from the organization and Fedor on a losing streak, Dan Henderson arguably is the face of Strikeforce. Yet, at 40 (41 August 24th), it seems like Henderson should be back in the UFC. There are a lot of interesting matchups that Zuffa could make if Henderson came back. But, that would mean another Strikeforce fighter vacating their title to jump to the UFC. Would Zuffa allow that to happen?

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Video: Fedor vs. Henderson ending

Fedor Emelianenko and Dan Henderson did indeed deliver an all action encounter last night at Strikeforce.

Henderson was able to come away with a first round KO victory, a notable feat against Fedor, but the manner of his win has been heavily scrutinised and questioned.

The videos below shows exactly how the fight finished so it makes sense to throw this one out to the great mma public.

Was this fight stopped too early?

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Video – Strikeforce: Fedor vs. Henderson recap

Event: Strikeforce: Fedor vs. Henderson
When: Saturday 30th July
Where: Sears Centre, Illinois

Results

Dan Henderson def. Fedor Emelianenko via TKO (punches) – Round 1, 4:12
Miesha Tate def. Marloes Coenen via submission (arm-triangle choke) – Round 4, 3:03
Tim Kennedy def. Robbie Lawler via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)
Tyron Woodley def. Paul Daley via unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
Tarec Saffiedine def. Scott Smith via unanimous decision (30-26, 30-27, 30-27)
Gesias Cavalcante def. Bobby Green via split decision (29-28, 28-29, 29-28)
Tyler Stinson def. Eduardo Pamplona via knockout (punch) – Round 1, 0:15
Alexis Davis def. Julie Kedzie via unanimous decision (29-28, 30-27, 30-27)
Derek Brunson def. Lumumba Sayers via submission (rear-naked choke) – Round 1, 4:33
Gabriel Salinas-Jones def. Bryan Humes via submission (D’Arce choke) – Round 3, 1:19

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Chael Sonnen Talks Brian Stann, Demian Maia, the Silvas and Fedor vs. Henderson

One of the most vocal men in the sport, UFC middleweight Chael Sonnen, appeared on UFC Connected on July 25.

The first topic of conversation was “The All-American” Brian Stann, who Sonnen faces off against at UFC 136.

“He’s a tough guy, he’s a great fighter…he’s ranked sixth in the world, a former world champion for the WEC,” Sonnen said.  “I’m a big Brian Stann fan, so I’ve been having a lot of fun watching and cheering for him from my living room.”

Despite recently stating that he would have no problem trash talking Stann leading up to their fight, Sonnen has shown the Silver Star recipient nothing but respect up to this point.

As far as his favorite target, UFC middleweight champion Anderson Silva, is concerned, Sonnen actually kept it short and sweet this time.

“Anderson and I will meet up again, either way, regardless, Anderson’s not going to be the champion by then because Yushin Okami’s going to take him out in August, in his hometown,” the former two-time All American wrestler said.  

“I got no problem slapping Anderson around again just for fun, just for laughs, just to entertain myself,” Sonnen stated very matter-of-factly. 

When asked if Sonnen would be in Okami’s corner in August to repay the favor of Okami coming up to Oregon to train, Sonnen replied:

Part 1 of Chael Sonnen on UFC Connected

“Oh absolutely, I got a timeshare in Brazil. It’s beautiful there.” 

Furthermore, when he was informed that he was public enemy No. 1 in Brazil, Sonnen responded with

“Oh that’s ridiculous…no, they love me in Brazil.”

In arguably the most interesting portion of the interview, Sonnen actually took the high road when addressing Demian Maia’s recent video where he mocked Sonnen’s triangle choke defense.

“I might take him up on that, I could probably use that.  Demian Maia’s fantastic…I might take him up on that offer,” Sonnen said with a smile on his face.

Next, Sonnen was shown the video clip of Quinton “Rampage” Jackson at the UFC 135 press conference, where Rampage said “I don’t know what Chael Sonnen look like,” among other disparaging remarks.

“Well basically, I couldn’t understand a word he just said without an interpreter,” Sonnen stated.

“But by the tone of it, I’d say he’s got a problem with me.  So we could settle that, if he wants to introduce us, we can do that.  We got a forum for that, it’s called the people’s octagon and I’ll be there.”

Part 2 of Chael Sonnen on UFC Connected

From there, Uncle Chael discussed why he was willing to fill in for an injured Phil Davis against Rashad Evans at UFC 133, prior to Tito Ortiz accepting the fight.

“The company needs a main event, you can’t just leave them hanging.  The cowards at 205, not one of them stepped up. And 205’s such an easy weight class, I don’t know why they have it anymore,” the controversial fighter declared.

“It wasn’t about the opponent, it was just about helping the company and making sure somebody shows up on August 6,” Sonnen clarified.

At this point, Chael was asked if he thought it was a good move or bad move for Tito Ortiz to take the fight on short notice, especially since he just fought Ryan Bader a few weeks ago.

“Yea sure, who cares good move, bad move…ya know, I don’t understand these guys are all chickens.   Anybody can go train for a fight and show up in shape, a real man just shows up and lets it go,” Sonnen expressed.

On the topic of Wanderlei Silva, another known rival of Sonnen’s, he actually gave the former Pride star some credit. 

As expected though, Sonnen couldn’t resist taking some parting shots at the Brazilian.

“He still brought something to the sport and a lot of fans tuned in to watch him,” Sonnen reflected.

“Whether he was doing his fake matches in Japan, or his real stuff in America, he had a presence and a following and he’ll be remembered.  He should be proud of that,” Sonnen said.

From here, Sonnen was asked to evaluate the Strikeforce superfight pitting Fedor Emelianenko against Dan Henderson.

Worth noting is that like Chael Sonnen, Henderson is a member of Team Quest’s fight camp. 

“Well, it’s interesting, we don’t know a lot about Fedor.  He’s only had a couple fights, his real martial arts record is three wins, two losses. He looks like a pretty skilled guy, but he’s taking on, in my opinion, the most accomplished guy that’s still competing today in Dan Henderson.”

Sonnen had nothing but good things to say about one of his teammates.

“Dan’s got it done at three different weight classes.  He’s beat world champions at heavyweight, world champion himself at 205, world champion himself at 185. Current world champion at 205, at 40 years old,” Sonnen reminded the viewers.

At the end of the interview, Sonnen predicted “Dan Henderson to win fairly handily.”

After Sonnen again referred to Emelianenko’s career record as just 3-2, he was asked as to why he did not consider Fedor one of the greatest heavyweights of all time.

“It’s not…it doesn’t even warrant a comment, it’s just silly.  He’s 3-2 guys, if that makes you the greatest of all time…ok.  I’m not gonna…he’s 3-2,” Sonnen insisted. 

When asked about Fedor’s Pride wins over Mirko Cro Cop, Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira, Kevin Randleman and Mark Coleman, Sonnen continued to sing the same tune.

“Look guys, he’s 3-2.  He’s had five mixed martial arts matches.  He has an official record of three wins and two losses. That’s just the truth, I’m not here to disparage Fedor, I’m simply telling you his record,” Sonnen said very seriously. 

The writer sincerely recommends checking out the interview as a whole, where believe it or not, Sonnen actually endorses women’s boxing and MMA towards the end of the interview.   

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MMA Submission of the Day: Fedor Emelianenko Submits Matt Lindland in BODOG

Strikeforce returns this Saturday with a featured matchup between MMA legends Fedor Emelianenko and Dan Henderson.

Today's submission of the day comes from a 2007 bout between Emelianenko and Matt Lindland, who is a former training partner of Henderson and a former Olympic freestyle wrestler.

"The Last Emperor" is known for his aggressive attacks on the ground, whether it's to knock out or submit his opponents. Of his 31 victories, 16 have come by submission while eight have come by knockout. Lindland went into the bout with a 20-4 record and had only lost one of his previous 10 fights.

It didn't take very long for Emelianenko to get Lindland down. Just 30 seconds into the bout and Lindland was already thrown to the ground by the former Pride heavyweight champion.

After a cut was opened up on Emelianenko's head, he quickly fought for the submission and secured the arm bar two minutes into the bout. Lindland had no choice but to tap out.

This weekend's Strikeforce event can be watched on Showtime at 10 p.m. ET. Emelianenko is currently on a two-fight losing streak, while Henderson recently won the Strikeforce Light Heavyweight Championship in March after defeating Rafael "Feijao" Cavalcante by knockout. It will be contested in the heavyweight division.

Other fights on the card include Robbie Lawler vs. Tim Kennedy, Paul Daley vs. Tyrone Woodley and Marloes Coenen vs. Miesha Tate.

Don't forget to check out Sal DeRose's knockout of the day article, here!

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