Fedor vs. Hendo: Nothing at stake but PRIDE
Posted on March 10, 2011, 04:15 PM by Ryan VenturaBoth Dan Henderson and Fedor Emelianenko are two of the greatest Mixed Marital Artists to ever step into a ring or cage. Combined they have 11 MMA World Titles and we can’t forget the numerous medals in Wrestling, Sambo, and Judo. You can even argue that Hendo and Fedor are some of the most decorated Martial Artists to have ever lived. Both men have left their mark in the sport in a big way and are equally loved by hardcore fans. You know when Henderson and Emelianenko retire, those will be some big shoes to fill.
By now, everyone should be familiar with Fedor’s storied career. The Ukraine born, Stary Oskol, Russia raised fighter is truly a man that deserves the title of living legend. The Muhammed Ali of Mixed Martial Arts started his legendary nine year undefeated run in the old RINGS promotions, expanded to PRIDE, defunct promotions BodogFIGHT, Affliction, and of course Strikeforce . We’ve seen Fedor’s brilliance in his three fights against Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira, Mark Coleman, Kevin Randleman, Mirko Cro Cop, Andrei Arlovski, Tim Sylvia, Brett Rogers, and many more. The list of top ranked heavyweights he has fought is nearly endless.
Most recently, we’ve seen Fedor at his most vulnerable and his age is starting to show a bit. He got caught fighting in usual reckless fighting in the guard of a BJJ black belt style against Fabricio Werdum. It worked against Big Nog in his prime in PRIDE, but unfortunately it didn’t work last summer. And of course who could forget what happened last month against Antonio “Bigfoot” Silva. Fedor was simply too small for the big man and was overpowered by nearly fifty pounds. The heavyweight division in Mixed Martial Arts has changed a lot since Emelianenko’s heyday. It has become bigger, faster, and stronger. Times have changed and I think in 2011 it is time for The Last Emperor to make a change as well, before he rides off into the sunset.
Dan Henderson didn’t have a legendary undefeated streak like Fedor (most fighters can’t say they did), but his name is just as important to the sport. Hendo first made his name competing as an Amateur Wrestler at the highest level. He made the transition into Mixed Martial Arts in 1997 and hasn’t looked back. Hendo started his career in Brazil, fought in the early days of the UFC, but really made his name in PRIDE FC. In his long and storied career, Dan Henderson holds big wins against the likes of Carlos Newton, Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira, Renato Sobral, Renzo Gracie, Kazuo Misaki, Vitor Belfort, Wanderlei Silva, Michael Bisping, and many other notable names. His latest high profile win to date was against Rafael “Feijao” Calvalcante for the Strikeforce Light Heavyweight title. Old Man Dan fed Feijao, his signature right hand that won him the title. Not bad for a forty year old.
Lately the MMA world has been buzzing about a potential match at 205 between the new Light Heavyweight Champion and The Last Emperor. Some sources claim that Fedor’s camp is seriously considering the move down to 205 and some claim that he won’t be moving down. Nothing is even remotely close to confirmed yet, but I can tell you one thing. This is a fight fans want to see, this fight is an event Strikeforce would want to book. Two MMA legends, two huge draws in the sport would help increase the awareness of the Strikeforce promotion.
Hendo has had plenty of experience fighting bigger guys back in his PRIDE days; this will not be new for him. Fedor on the other hand has been fighting in Heavyweight his whole career and practically fights at his walk around weight. Will it be difficult to cut to 205 for Fedor? I personally believe that chances of this fight happening is fairly slim, but as a fan boy I’d enjoy every minute of this bout. Both have very heavy and accurate hands, someone’s getting knocking out in this fight guaranteed. Emelianenko in my opinion has the better ground game and could submit Hendo, but Hendo has awesome submission defense. This fight would most likely take place on the feet and it’ll be “bombs away” from there.
If the fight does go down, it could potentially be one of Strikeforce’s biggest events, maybe even one of the greatest main events in MMA history. It would be a fight for the ages, a fight for the Light Heavyweight title, and most importantly a fight for pride. But before we get ahead of ourselves, let’s not forget Dan Henderson still has to the fight the winner of Gegard Mousasi vs. Mike Kyle.
Photo by Dave Mandel for Sherdog.com
Comments
SURE DUDE
Did you even read the piece?
I just do not see it! That would be too much of a CUT for FEDOR. It be better if he gains 10-15 solid pounds than to loose 30!
the best fighter ever is done, emelianenko cant become the goat of heavyweight again, unfortunantly...with the fall of Pride, orgs like UFC destroyed his reputation.... i cannot 4give Dana White 4 putting dirt on his name like he did... i really want this fight 2 happen, but mostly i want Fedor 2 retire, i dont wanna see him lose anymore...people may hateme 4 saying this... but its how i feel, its over
dude are you ****ing stupid dana didn't ruin fedor's reputation fedor and m-1 global did they avoided the ufc to fight lesser competition in strikeforce and then fedor started losing you can't blame dana for ruining fedor's reputation when fedor chose his path and bit the bullet for it
what is the point of Fedor beating Dan!??? NOTHING! UFC fans will say Shields beat Dan and he's 170 pound and I love Dan Henderson but his loss to shields jut put an enormous stain on his reputation. Dan need to fight Mousasi, king Mo, etc... Give Fedor some respect and give him a top ranked Heavy weight. Only fight I wanna see right now is Fedor vs Loser WerdumvsOvereem
who the f.., says that fedor have to prove anything to anyone
dana white? omg people only kids believe him
and yes he should stay in heavyweight division
1.82 m small heavyweight fighting against giants
P4P? the best on the f,,,,, PLANET !
How do you know he is going to beat him?...if this a fact?..if you are one stupid mother fuker! im sure you also said he was going to win against big foot Silvia! right?..
isnt this post about fedor vs overeem?
you havent been getting alot of love in your articles, i think people in general have just been sour lately, I like your writing, and ability to remain mostly unbiased in a piece.
No, I didn't. I was being a douche. It was actually a nice article. Good job dude.
I appreciate it man thanks. If you guys love me or dislike my work, that's fine by me. As long as I can get people talking, that's all that matters to me.
Thats Tito's philosophy
stop talking about this and just do it Strikeforce
That's weird man, I was trying to thank you earlier for your comment lol.
i can only hope this fight happens
I like the tittle for lost of reasons! PRIDE! and when you think about PRIDE FC! you think about Fedor!
Fedor was the best and for SF to do this fight it would be awesome...i like Fedor i don't like his fans...lol this fight as slug fest! written all over it! but i have to say is a close one! who well win! lets fine out! and put these guys in the cage!
So you don't like yourself?
learn to speak. don't post again until you learn how to communicate.
I LIKE THE GUY DOESN'T MEAN IM A FAN OF HIM NOW DOES IT?
you have to be the dumbest mother ****er in australia
Good article, and an intriguing subject.
Sometimes the reason for fights isn't about rankings or belts--but because they are just cool fights to see.
I would love to see a Hendo vs. Fedor fight, but I am not optimistic that Fedor wants to fight at LHW. I think he would feel it was running away from the HW division--I don't believe that, but Fedor's pride might feel that.
Plus I don't think he is a fan of dieting.
I'm not sure if there's a bigger fight that SF could put together at this point. If it happens, hopefully it'll be at a catch weight.
It has to be a catch wight right...cause no way fedor is cutting weight...he never did and he is not going to start now...he knows when he fights best.. and if Hendo is looking for a challenge well there it is..
only fedor can **** hendo up at 205 period
What about Rampage?...i think only fedor has a HIGH! change of Knocking out Hendo...but if it does happen is not going to be in 205 is going to be a catch weight..
no i like rampage but he is not as good as fedor
what is catchweight 215?
Fedor's team is already moaning about it. This will be another fight never to happen.
They added years to Fedor's career by choosing lopsided fights for him but sadly for them, most people are on to it now.
Sure
Why not?
Two great fighters
Both getting a little long in the tooth
but would be a real diehard's fight
Throw one the Grand Prix bouts on the card
Maybe a Women's defense
and some of the underclass but media friendly guys
like Mayhem Miller
and SF rolls in the cash