Strikeforce Fedor vs. Henderson Recap: The Emperor falls, Tate wins

Long time fans from all corners of the globe have patiently waited for the main event between Fedor Emelianenko and Dan Henderson. The Last Emperor came to the fight in the best shape of his life and seemed very ready for the heavy hands of Dangerous Dan. As soon as the bell rang, the two living legends squared off in the six sided cage, and right off the bat swung for the fences. After a very heavy and powerful exchange with both fighters tasting leather, the two engaged in a clinch battle against the cage with Henderson seeming to have the upper hand.

After minutes of battling with Fedor’s back pushed against the fence, Herb Dean broke the two up. Emelianenko answered back to Hendo with a devastating flurry, but Dan survived the onslaught. While the Russian fighter was trying to finish the American with Henderson’s back to the canvas, using his Olympic caliber wrestling he managed to get back up to his feet after being hurt. Henderson replied to Fedor with a heavy right ‘H-Bomb’ uppercut, sending the Emperor to the canvas, and a rainfall of punches to the ground followed. With referee Herb Dean watching very closely, he stopped the fight 4:12 in the first round.

Questions after seeing Fedor vs. Henderson:

-Did referee Herb Dean stop the fight too early?

-Is it time for Fedor Emelianenko to retire?

-Is Dan Henderson returning to the UFC after this win or does he defend his Strikeforce light heavyweight.

Notes from Strikeforce: Fedor vs. Henderson:

–Miesha Tate showcased some wonderful wrestling and strength against the now former 135lbs woman’s champion Marloes Coenen. Did you see Tate arm triangle choking BJJ black belt Coenen in your mind? I didn’t see that coming personally and big props to her for the hard earned victory.

–Robbie Lawler didn’t look like himself against the always ready Tim Kennedy. The decorated military man showcased some well-rounded skills, while Robbie didn’t let his hands go like he usually does. I’m very interested in seeing Tim face the winner of Jacare Souza and Luke Rockhold.

-The fight between Paul Daley and Tyron Woodley went exactly the way I saw it in my head. Woodley’s style may not be the most fan friendly, but other than Nick Diaz no one in the welterweight division wants to stand with ‘Semtex’ strikes. Expect Woodley to compete for the vacant title belt.

–Tarec Saffiedine showcased some wonderful striking against Scott Smith. Saffiedine is only 24 years old with the sky will be the limit for him in the welterweight division with more time and development.

Lowkick.com Strikeforce: Fedor vs. Henderson main card awards:  

Fight of the Night – Marloes Coenen and Miesha Tate put on a hell of a match and a wonderful grappling clinic.

Performance of the Night – Tonight was Tarec Saffiedine’s coming out party on the main stage. He showcased some spectacular stand up, mixed in with some very good clinch work. Make sure to keep an eye out for this top prospect!

Finish of the Night – I give this one to Miesha Tate for her surprise arm triangle choke on accomplished grappler Marloes Coenen.

Disappointment of the Night – The ending of Fedor vs. Henderson. Not because I’m upset Fedor lost, but because I wish the moment could have lasted longer.

Photo: CageWriter