Fighter of the Month: July 2011 – Dan Henderson
By Justin Bolduc
Fighter of the Month: Dan Henderson
Event: Strikeforce: Fedor vs. Henderson (July 30, 2011)
Opponent: Fedor Emelianenko
Result: First round knockout
One of the greatest fighters in mixed martial arts history secured the biggest win of his career, and in his own personal opinion achieved the biggest accomplishment of it as well. Dan Henderson, who simultaneously owned titles in PRIDE’s 183 and 205-pound divisions and is the current Strikeforce light heavyweight champion, upset formerly number one fighter Fedor Emelianenko.
Both fighters came out swinging with enough power to sink a battleship, with Henderson getting the better of the exchange. Using his Olympic Greco-Roman wrestling background, Henderson forced Fedor against the cage, which slowed the pace. Fedor used the fence to help stave off a takedown attempt and was warned before Henderson separated, throwing at air.
The drama then began as “The Last Emperor” rushed forward, landing a big shot which dropped Henderson. Fedor pounced for the kill but Henderson was able to escape through the back door and land a monster uppercut while his opponent was on all fours. Henderson knocked the former PRIDE champion out and was pulled away by referee Herb Dean.
Fedor and his team stated they believed the stoppage was premature, but replays showed the Russian went limp. Fedor was also wobbly on his feet following, leading commentator Frank Shamrock to say he looked like a “drunk monkey.”
With the win, Henderson’s stock skyrocketed. Henderson continues to push on as one of the greatest pound-for-pound fighters in mixed martial arts and remains at the elite level. His contract with Strikeforce is currently expired which means we could see a few outcomes. Henderson could potentially re-sign with Strikeforce and defend his light heavyweight title. Or, what fans are most looking forward to, is the prospect of re-signing with the UFC to rematch Anderson Silva for the UFC middleweight title or fighting at 205 to unify the UFC and Strikeforce titles (much like he did against Silva and Quinton Jackson to unify the UFC and PRIDE middleweight and light heavyweight titles respectively).
