Strikeforce: Fedor vs. Henderson

[INDYjon22]

Strikeforce Womens Welterweight Championship

• Women's Welterweight (135ibs) Bout: Marloes Coenen vs. Miesha Tate
• Heavyweight Bout: Dan Henderson vs. Fedor Emelianenko
• Middleweight Bout: Tim Kennedy vs. Robbie Lawler
• Welterweight Bout: Paul Daley vs. Tyron Woodley
• Welterweight Bout: Tarec Saffiedine vs. Scott Smith

Preliminary

• Lightweight Bout: Gesias Cavalcante vs. Lyle Beerbohm
• Women's (135ibs) Bout: Alexis Davis vs. Julie Kedzie
• Middleweight Bout: Derek Brunson vs. Lumumba Sayers
• Welterweight Bout: Eduardo Pamplona vs. Tyler Stinson

Strikeforce returns with another stacked card, which includes a showdown of MMA legends. Just like Rocky 4, America will face off with Russia in a fight for the ages. Both Hendo and Fedor are older but what they have accomplished in the sport is nothing short of spectacular. Both are all time greats and it will be a pleasure to see them face off once before the end of their careers. The card is also co-mainevented by a women's MMA super fight featuring the very popular Miesha Tate and they very skilled Marloes Coenen. It should be very competitive and fun to watch.

Fedor vs. Henderson is a fight I never thought I would see. Even though both guys were in PRIDE! together I didn't think they would fight because of the difference in weight. Fast forward to now and I am even more excited for this fight then I would have been had it been in PRIDE! Hendo is another roll since his loss to Jake Shields. He knocked out Babalu and Cavalcante in route to winning the Strikeforce Light Heavyweight title. Fedor on the other hand is on a two fight skid, but I really don't think that will affect him at all. If this fight stays standing I think it will be Hendo's to loss. Fedor is the better striker, but Hendo's power is all he needs to put Fedor down and out. However, the more I have thought about this fight the more I don't see Hendo knocking Fedor out. Fedor on the other hand has crisp striking and is slick on the ground. If it hits the canvas I completely expect Fedor to submit Hendo. Should be a great fight.

The other big attraction is the big title fight for the 135ibs Women's Welterweight championship. Marloes Coenen has been hot since she won the belt. Miesha Tate has also been hot, but for other reasons. I really believe this is Coenen's fight to lose. She is the better fighter in my eyes all the way around. Tate is talented, no denying that, but other then Zoila Gurgel she hasn't beaten anyone of any standing. Coenen fought Cyborg and lost, defeated Kaufmann and defeated a very tough Liz Carmouche. Coenen knows how to win, even when she is losing and I believe she will finish Tate.

Kennedy vs. Lawler should be a solid slugfest. Kennedy could easily win the fight by taking Lawler down and tapping him out but I think he will choose to stand and bang, at least for awhile. Lawler has good wrestling and hands of stone so Kennedy should keep it standing for to long. That said, if Kennedy does keep it standing he could easily win seeing as Lawler has a suspect chin. Could go either way but I see Kennedy taking this one by submission.

Daley vs. Woodley is another fight between two guys who throw some serious leather. Daley gave Nick Diaz all he could handle in their match up a few months back and even though he came out on the losing end his stock seriously rose. Woodley is a guy that Strikeforce is trying to build up as their next big Welterweight fighter and a win over Daley would put him in prime title shot contention. I suspect either guy will be in line for a spot in the Welterweight title fight for the vacant belt when Strikeforce announces it if they win.

The other two interesting fights pit Saffiedine against Scott Smith and Cavalcante against Beerbohm. I hope to god Scott Smith knocks out Saffiedine and that Cavalcante taps Beerbohm. Not exactly barn burners but both fights should be enjoyable.

 

[Fizzy]

They stacked this card with as much star power as they can throw out. You've got one of the sexiest woman fighters, two of the greatest ever, and a dirty fighter that has no business being in a major promotion all on the same card! Sounds like my kind of night.

Anyway, I don't know why Fedor is fighting Hendo. I don't know why Hendo isn't defending his belt for the first time. I don't know why Fedor is dicking around against light heavyweights while still being a heavyweight, but I don't care because this should be an absolute war. Both throw for the fucking fences with every punch disregarding technique and both have iron jaws(outside of Fedor being rocked by Fujita which still baffles me) We should either see a huge KO or a three round slugfest. My money is on the slugfest. As for who wins? Fedor because I dislike Hendo for some reason.

Let's see, Lawler will stand and trade then get hit and decide to sub him, Daley I hope will get wrestle fucked because I hate that prick, and i'll be content with Tate just showing up. Best looking female in fighting behind the great Gina Carano.

 

[Final Form Snyper.]

They stacked this card with as much star power as they can throw out. You've got one of the sexiest woman fighters, two of the greatest ever, and a dirty fighter that has no business being in a major promotion all on the same card! Sounds like my kind of night.

It certainly will be a fun night of fights.

Anyway, I don't know why Fedor is fighting Hendo.

It gives both fighters a tough opponent and can be seen as a buffer fight towards Fedor's eventual cut down to Light heavyweight.

I don't know why Hendo isn't defending his belt for the first time.

It's not fought at 205 pounds, it's fought at the Catchweight of 220 pounds.

I don't know why Fedor is dicking around against light heavyweights while still being a heavyweight, but I don't care because this should be an absolute war. Both throw for the fucking fences with every punch disregarding technique and both have iron jaws(outside of Fedor being rocked by Fujita which still baffles me) We should either see a huge KO or a three round slugfest. My money is on the slugfest. As for who wins? Fedor because I dislike Hendo for some reason.

This fight is a great test for either fighter. Two legends fighting. throw your titles out the window. This one is simply about respect and where each fighter is at. Hendo wins and it shows that at his age he simply isnt ready to slow down. A lose to him isn't as dire as it is for Fedor who is coming off two in a row. Fedor wins this and it proves he isn't ready to lay down.

I can't wait for this one. It's guaranteed fireworks.

Let's see, Lawler will stand and trade then get hit and decide to sub him, Daley I hope will get wrestle fucked because I hate that prick, and i'll be content with Tate just showing up.

I know how you feel with Daley. The fact that he was willing to damage the growing reputation of MMA was a selfish and downright dickish move. He had NO right to do that. The cheapshot is something that will take a long time to regain the slither of respect people once had for him. Lawler likes to bang but if the kitchen gets too hot... he can take down the one dimensional fighter and submit him with ease.

behind the great Gina Carano.

That is a topic I'd like to get behind.

 

[jmt225]

There is a short list of fighters where every time they fight... 5 years gets taken off my life. Fedor is most definitely one of those fighters.

My heart will be racing come next Saturday. I do not want to see Fedor get hurt in that cage ever again. The Big Foot Silva fight was a nightmare to sit through, and if Hendo is able to land that overhand right and put Fedor away... I will be even more heartbroken than I was with the Silva and Werdum fights.

However, I have complete faith that that will NOT happen. Hendo's only weapon is that overhand right, and there's no doubt Fedor and his crew have prepared for it. They'll have an answer, and if anyone's getting knocked out in this fight, it will be Hendo. Or maybe, Fedor will take the fight to the ground and submit Hendo, which he is very capable of doing. In fact, that's my official prediction for this fight... Fedor by submission. Fedor will beat Hendo on the feet, Hendo will clinch, Fedor will land one of those beautiful throws of his, and then Fedor will work his top game and eventually tap Hendo out.

Nevertheless, it's going to be a great, very exciting fight. I, for one, cannot wait for it.

Marloes Coenen vs. Miesha Tate I see going a lot like Coenen's last fight. Miesha will take Coenen down at will all throughout the fight, and Coenen will eventually sneak a triangle in one of the later rounds. It's either that, or Miesha will win a lay 'n pray decision. There's absolutely no way Miesha takes a chance at standing up with Coenen... she'll take the fight to the ground at the start of every round, and Marloes will not be able to stop her. I just hope Miesha is active in Coenen's guard and throws a lot of GNP throughout the fight, rather than just laying there on top of her.

I like both ladies, so I really don't care who wins. Should be a decent fight to watch. Miesha's ass in particular will be a joy to watch bounce up and down and up and down. That thing is incredible, lol.

Tim Kennedy vs. Robbie Lawler is an intriguing match-up. Personally, I think Kennedy will look to test his stand-up with Lawler to put on a good show for the fans, but unfortunately for him... that'll be his downfall. Though, I should say that even if Kennedy focuses on taking the fight to the ground, that doesn't mean he'll be able to. Lawler's takedown defense is pretty remarkable. So either way, I see Lawler winning this one either by KO or decision. This should be another great fight, though.

I'm seeing some Paul Daley hate in this thread... I have to say that I actually like the guy. Well, I should say I like the way he fights and that I wish there were more fighters with his style.

Anyways, hard fight to predict. Either Daley is going to keep it standing and knock Woodley's ass out, or Woodley will lay 'n pray his way to victory. Personally, I hope the former happens. I have nothing against Woodley, but the last thing the Welterweight Division needs right now is another boring ass wrestler working his way up the ranks. So with that said, War Paul Daley.

Oh, and I couldn't care less about Tarec Saffiedine vs. Scott Smith. I just hope it's a good fight.

 

[Fizzy]

It gives both fighters a tough opponent and can be seen as a buffer fight towards Fedor's eventual cut down to Light heavyweight.

Fedor will not cut down to 205. In fact, I see him retiring after this fight or his next.

It's not fought at 205 pounds, it's fought at the Catchweight of 220 pounds.

No shit. I said "I don't know why Hendo isn't defending his belt for the first time meaning why isn't he having a fight for his title instead of a super fight of sorts.

This fight is a great test for either fighter. Two legends fighting. throw your titles out the window. This one is simply about respect and where each fighter is at. Hendo wins and it shows that at his age he simply isnt ready to slow down. A lose to him isn't as dire as it is for Fedor who is coming off two in a row. Fedor wins this and it proves he isn't ready to lay down.

Thanks for the insight bro. It was much needed

I know how you feel with Daley. The fact that he was willing to damage the growing reputation of MMA was a selfish and downright dickish move. He had NO right to do that. The cheapshot is something that will take a long time to regain the slither of respect people once had for him. Lawler likes to bang but if the kitchen gets too hot... he can take down the one dimensional fighter and submit him with ease.

Glad we agree? Don't understand why you broke down my post when we agreed on nearly everything. A regular post would have sufficed, believe me.

 

[JWGunslinger]

Hendo by KO, I love Fedor just as much as Henderson but I see Fedor retiring in the next year or so, and Dan has more time left on his clock so I want to see him win this since it will effect him more right now. It's a tough fight to call, if Fedor wins it'll be a sub, Hendo will be a KO/TKO or decision, so I predict Hendo to finish it. The second this fight was made I was stressed, because I knew whatever happens one of my favorite fighters is going to lose so while i'm excited to see a great fight the end will sting. Henderson by Knockout

Kennedy vs Lawler, as most have already predicted we will most likely see Tim try to test Lawler on the feet, and if that doesn't work then take him down and work him. Lawler could definitely clip him but I don't think Tim will like standing at all and take him down quick, and score a sub. Kennedy by Rear Naked Choke

Coenen, Daley and Smith win

Should be some good fights, glad I bought showtime so I don't have to search for a bar playing it or hear about it the next day. I'll probably cry if Fedor loses

 

[nazzac]

Pulling for a Hendo KO this weekend. Always been a fan of his, and probably always will be. One problem though is that Fedor has never been KO'd or TKO'd, so it'll be very tough.

The thing i like about Hendo is that he fights anyone. He has consistently fought the best they had for him.

 

[wrestlingfan]

I see Fedor pulling out the win, Once Hendo's H-Bomb fails to detonate, he's going to rely on his wrestling, which will be canceled out by Fedor's Judo leading to either a win by GNP or Submission.

However if Fedor loses I would suggest him ditiching M-1 Global who aren't doing nothing for him but feeding words in his mouth and nonsense in his ears, and going to fight the best in the UFC's HW Division

 

[RAUl Mf. L0wk0]

I actually do not wanna see Fedor fight Henderson. To me it doesn't make sense at all, this is a very bad situation for Fedor. I guess they have no one to challenge Hendo for his title at the moment.. Hendo just has been on a roll lately with his recent wins and i don't think Fedor can win this one. There about the same in size and both have power in there punches. Both aren't really technical when it comes to stand up, I give Fedor an edge on the ground just because of his submissions. Hendo has great wrestling and if he can't finish Fedor he will take him down. I'm really hoping for Fedor's famous armbar to win this fight. Hell I'm hoping for the Fedor of old to come in, but i don't see him beating Dan Henderson. Hendo by UD or a Stoppage.

I actually can't wait to see Marloes Coenen vs. Miesha Tate. Just because i'm a big fan of Miesha Tate's hottnessss ! and shes a great figher. And i honestly think Tate has Coenen's number and is a better fighter then her. So go Tate!

Tim Kennedy vs. Robbie Lawler will be a war! Both can finish the fight, but I think it'll end up going to UD. This is gonna be a crazy fight with nonstop action. I'm actually pulling for Lawler, but Tim Kennedy's the better fighter so Kennedy by UD!

I'm interested in Semtex vs. Woodley to see if Daley has actually improved his ground game and his TDD. But something tells me that Daley will get taken down repeatedly and be controlled by Woodley the whole fight. Daley has the punchers chance, but Woodley by UD.

JZ Calvan is fighting Bobby Green now, and thats a fight i'm actually interested in seeing. This is a big opponent for Green and this is sort of a moment for him to get noticed. I've seen Green fight only twice and the guy is a beast. But have power but i'm hoping for a Green KO.

The rest of the card is ehh, but it should a good night of fights.

 

[Window Licker 101]

Wow.

Hendo vs Fedor started off at such a frantic pace. I thought someone was going to be KO'd in the first opening seconds! Fedor was cut pretty quickly and Hendo clinched him for the most part of one and a half minutes. This was just a slugfest. Balls to the wall and both Hendo and Fedor were swinging for the fences. Just as you think Fedor has this won when he rocks Hendo and knocks him down, Hendo reverses and BOOM! one huge uppercut from Hendo and Fedor is planking on the mat. I love Fedor just as much as the next guy but he was out. Period. Herb Dean made a great job stopping the fight. Intially I screamed premature stoppage like most people but upon several viewings Fedor is clearly limp and Hendo is reigning down punches. An arguement can be made that Hendo was illegally striking the back of Fedor's head but if we penialised Hendo for that then nearly all MMA fighters would be in trouble. If Herb Dean had let this continue, Fedor rolled into guard and Hendo was still dropping punches on him and he would likely have beaten into unconsciousness. I feel really bad for Fedor and it was heartbreaking to see him lose this way but his (I hate the term) "nuthugging" fans really grind my gears with all their excuses as to why he lost. Fedor is the GOAT and has nothing more or less to prove. His legacy is complete and even though he lost to the greatest American MMA fighter of all time he is still the biggest legend in MMA ever.

People are comparing the stoppage to Barry/Kongo but Dan Miragliotta chose not to stop the fight because he saw Kongo was actively looking for the takedown despite taking a beating. Fedor was up in la-la-land and would still be defenceless from the potential on-slaught from Hendo. Two legends came to fight and they delivered. Up there with Daley/Diaz for round of the year.

Congratulations to Miesha Tate on winning the Women's 135lbs title last night! In my book, Tate is the current face of WMMA as Carano has been on an extended hiatus and nobody wants to fight Cyborg. Tate repeatedly took Marloes Coenen to the ground and used her superior wrestling and training from Team Alpha Male to help her en route to a fourth round arm triangle victory. How can you not like Miesha Tate? Tate is such a sweetheart. Greatest weigh in ever?

The rest of the card was pretty flat I felt. Kennedy vs Lawler was really boring. Lawler just didn't look motivated in the slightest and although Kennedy won, he will have made no new fans (for his fighting style) however post fight, he gave a heart felt shoutout to the military and armed forces fighting to protect the United States. With the Strikeforce middleweight division being thinner than water, Kennedy will likely get rematched with Jacare once he has finished disposing of the overmatched Luke Rockhold in September.

I thought Paul Daley was placed in a horrible match up going into this fight and the end result reflected that. However, I will give credit where credit is due, Daley shown significant improvements in his takedown defence and caused a few problems for Woodley. When Woodley did get the fight to the ground it was just lay and pray really with very little offence. I did mark out for when Daley hit a rolling omoplata attempt on Woodley in the third round. Who'd have thought Paul Daley would have some slick jiu-jitsu?! Now that Woodley has cemented his status as the number one welterweight in Strikeforce not named Nick Diaz*, you got to think he will fight for the title in his next fight possibly a rematch with Tarec Saffiedine for the vacant welterweight title. I did see a potential case for Daley winning a decision but it was not to be.

Tarec Saffiedine destroyed Scott Smith. Smith's best days are behind him and I credit him for choosing to fight to please fans instead of trying to move up the welterweight ladder. Saffiedine just dominated him on the feet and Smith looked like a fish out of water against the young prospect. Smith had very limited head movement and compustrike really refelected the fight. Tarec Saffiedine outlanded Scott Smith 137 to 24.

I wish I could see the prelim fights somehow because I heard JZ's latest fight was controversial but man I am glad he has finally won in the US. That guy could not catch a break over here!

Tyler Stinson recorded an incredible 15 second KO which I am eager to see.

Overall a rather flat show other than the co and main event. I give this card a 6.5/10.

 

[MisterRob]

Fedor better hang up his gloves right now. Seriously. I've neer believed the hype of Fedor, but I never discredited his ability either. But as of right now his career is over and he needs to just end it and go off into the horizon while he's still looked upon in some high regard by some people (even if its not me). He really should've joined UFC and got some big money fights fo losing before ending his career, I think the reality has really been a sad state of affairs.