Strikeforce: Feijao vs. Henderson Preview

Three months into the year 2011, we have already seen our fair share of epic battles and upsets. From UFC 125 to the opening round of the Strikeforce World Heavyweight Grand Prix, some epic moments that’ll be in our hearts and minds for a long time. I believe Strikeforce: Feijao Vs. Henderson will be no different.

From the time I first started watching Strikeforce, I have honestly rarely seen a fight that has bored me to death, and the match makers once again didn’t disappoint. The main card from top to bottom promises action.

We have a Miami Hustler returning to the six sided cage to fight an undefeated contender. A battle tested soldier going toe to toe with a feared K-1 level striker. One of the greatest female fighters of all time defends her belt against a hungry last minute replacement, looking to prove the world wrong. And last but not least, a young champion trying to build his own legacy amongst his peers will be fighting a true legend in the world of Mixed Martial Arts.

Rafael Feijao Vs. Dan Henderson:

2010 ended with a bang, literally. When Dan Henderson fought Renato “Babalu” Sobral in a rematch ten years in the making, Hendo ended the year with his signature right hand that had Babalu seeing stars. With the big exclamation point win, he earned his shot against a young and hungry Rafael “Feijao” Calvacante.

Feijao was an underdog when he faced Muhammed “King Mo” Lawal. With his trademark Black House striking, he demolished the King and left Houston, Texas in August with the Light Heavyweight strap.

I personally believe that Rafael Feijao has the tools to possibly beat “The Real Captain America”. Rafael has the Nogueira brothers and Anderson Silva in his corner who have experience beating Dan Henderson. On the feet I believe Feijao is a better striker and on the ground Dan Henderson’s kryptonite has always been Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. We all know Feijao works with the best in the game for his BJJ, if it goes to the ground he’ll be ready.

But let’s not count out ol’ man Dan one bit. We all know of Dan Henderson’s destructive power in his right hand, we’ve seen many a fighter fall victim to it. When he chooses to use it, his Olympic caliber wrestling can be his strongest weapon of all. He has the ability to take a man down, get into dominate position, and make it rain on his opponent with his heavy fists.

Will Feijao’s striking be too much or will Hendo show off his world class wrestling?

Marloes Coenen Vs. Liz Carmouche:

Marloes Coenen is considered by many hardcore fans and experts as one of the greatest women to ever put on the 4oz gloves. She made her name in Japan and trains with the Legendary Dutch Kickboxing / MMA camp Golden Glory. Her grappling and her stand up is finely tuned to near perfection. She is a threat for any woman who dares challenges for her title.

Her opponent for the Woman’s Welterweight title was originally supposed to be Miesha “Takedown” Tate, but after injuring her knee during training she was forced to pull out of the bout. Taking her place is undefeated fighter, “Girl-Rilla” Liz Carmouche. Liz actually just started her fight career last year, fresh from her stint as a US Marine stationed in the Middle East. Liz’ biggest win to date was against veteran journeywoman Jan Finney via TKO.

All the cards for this fight will be stacked up against Liz Carmouche. She is a baby in this game and a fight with the champion Marloes Coenen will be extremely tough. Will Carmouche upset the world or will Marloes Coenen completely dominate this fight like we expect her to?

Tim Kennedy Vs. Melvin Manhoef:

A few weeks ago, I actually interviewed Tim Kennedy for a Podcast I host called “Knoqout MMA Radio”. He openly said to my co-host Corey Sands and I that he is willing to stand and bang with the K-1 level striker. Logically speaking, this isn’t the greatest strategy to use when fighting a man like Melvin Manhoef. Most men that decided to trade shots with “Marvelous” Melvin, got dropped, and fell hard to the canvas.

But Tim Kennedy is no ordinary man and he’s never been rocked yet in his career. He’s also training with master strategist, Coach Greg Jackson. Tim will need to use his Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and wrestling to his full advantage. He can’t afford to gamble staying on his feet, he needs to take it to the ground, or risk getting his lights turned out.

Melvin Manhoef only knows one speed and one way to fight. He just goes, moves forward, and tries to end the fight in devastating fashion. His brand of balls out, all-out MMA has made him a fan favourite. However, this has been the reason for many of his defeats in both Mixed Martial Arts and Kickboxing. Another problem of Melvin’s is that he is just too much of a one-dimensional fighter. The way he fights in K-1 and Strikeforce, there is no difference. He also has a terrible ground game, but for this fight it could be different. I’ve heard rumors that Melvin has been working on a ground game that allows him to get back to his feet and to keep it there. Saturday night, we could be witnessing Melvin Manhoef 2.0.

Will Tim’s well-rounded style prevail or will Melvin’s Dutch Kickboxing claim another victim?

Jorge Masvidal Vs. Billy Evangelista:

Jorge Masvidal may be only 26 years old, but he has nearly double the amount of fights Billy Evangelista has. While Billy has been outgrappling opponents in the US, Jorge was making his name in the streets of Miami and fighting all over the world.

Masvidal is a very well-rounded fighter, who not only can stand with his opponents, but can hang on the ground if needed. His training with some of the best fighters at American Top Team has made him into the complete package. Jorge holds wins against Joe Lauzon, Yves Edwards, and Satoru Kitaoka.

Billy Evangelista is no joke and he is undefeated in twelve fights for a reason. The American Kickboxing Academy product has wins over the likes of Nam Phan and Jorge Gurgel.

Will Evangelista ride out a win and get a title shot or will Masvidal make a big statement in his return to Strikeforce?

I look forward to seeing how these fights will play out. In the US you can catch Strikeforce action at 7PM PST / 10PM EST, in Canada you can catch it at those times on Super Channel, and internationally check your listings!

Photos from MMA Weekly and MMAJunkie