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**Indestructibl3** · 07-05-2011, 11:35 PM

http://mmajunkie.com/news/24281/stri...6-1-pounds.mma

Quote:

Strikeforce light heavyweight champion Dan Henderson (27-8 MMA, 2-1 SF) has long been a dual-division contender.

But the former PRIDE middleweight and welterweight champion is taking on a different challenge later this month when he faces heavyweight great Fedor Emelianenko (31-3 MMA, 1-2 SF). But at 40 years old, Henderson isn't worried about bulking up to level the playing field.

"I think I have to weigh-in over 206, so (I'll be) 206.1 (pounds), I guess," Henderson told MMAjunkie.com (www.mmajunkie.com).

Henderson and Emelianenko meet in the main event of "Strikeforce: Fedor vs. Henderson," which takes place July 30 at Sears Centre Arena in Hoffman Estates, Ill. The main card airs on Showtime.

There was initially some discussion that the fight would take place at a catchweight, but Henderson said he never concerned himself with fighting his heavyweight foe anywhere but his natural division.

"In the past, I've never felt small against heavyweights," Henderson said. "I was excited for the fight, in general, and I don't care what he comes in at. I've never agreed with catchweights in the past, and I'm OK fighting up, so it is what it is."

Emelianenko was once considered by many to be the world's best pound-for-pound fighter, but back-to-back losses to Antonio Silva and Fabricio Werdum have seen the Russian's stock drop in the eyes of most MMA pundits.

That said, Henderson believes the blueprints laid by the massive former super-heavyweight and submission ace don't necessarily apply to him.

"I've never done an armbar in a fight, and I'm not 80 pounds bigger than him to lay on him," Henderson said. "Those two losses aren't really my style.

"I think we match-up real well for an exciting fight. I think I've got to wear him out early in the fight and really make him keep up a pretty good pace and get on top of him, as well. … I really hope he comes in great shape and motivated, re-motivated for this fight, because that's the Fedor I want to fight."

Henderson is 5-1 in his past six fights – a run that includes a 2-1 mark in Strikeforce, as well as UFC victories over Michael Bisping, Rich Franklin and Rousimar Palhares. Meanwhile, Emelianenko badly needs a win to snap that two-fight losing streak and remain relevant in the heavyweight division.

Should Henderson pull off a victory, it's not clear exactly what lies ahead. Retirement looms in the distance, but Henderson believes there are still bright moments to come.

"[My plan is] not to lose again," Henderson said. "I don't know how long I'm going to fight for. I'm sue I've got two or three more years in me. I kind of liked having fights back-to-back for a while and then having a little time off and do it again. I'm hoping to do that again toward the end of this year going into next year – have two or three fights back-to-back, where I cannot get too out of shape. I'm getting older now. I've got to keep my body in shape.

"But as long as I can keep beating the young guys, I'm satisfied. I feel like I can still compete, and experience is invaluable in MMA. I'm pretty happy with the way my career has gone, and I'm not done yet."

Lol damn Hendo's a warrior. I see him catching Fedor and winning this fight.

**K R Y** · 07-06-2011, 08:08 AM

Man this fight is going to be insane. I have Fedor taking it but can't ignore Hendo's right hand if it lands.

METALLICA_RULES · 07-06-2011, 08:39 AM

This fight is gonna be interesting.

**The Horticulturist** · 07-06-2011, 08:59 AM

I don't know what to say about this fight.. No matter what happens it is going to be GREAT. Imagine if either guy gets finished??? Holy Moly.

**No_Mercy** · 07-09-2011, 06:09 AM

This guy is durable fighter. Very interesting match up. I really wonder how Fedor is going to come out.

Olympic caliber wrestler vs Sambo champion. But the momentum is riding high with Hendo right now...

**KillerShark1985** · 07-09-2011, 09:28 AM

I see Fedor winning this fight quite easily, always been a fan of Fedor and always will give him the respect he deserves for what he has already done in the sport, nothing before in his actions or decisions relating to him or M-1 Global has ever wavered the respect I have for him, turning down the UFC did not bother me at all like it did so many fans.

But the fact is I dont like the catch weight factor in this fight, its obviously a condition been set by Fedor and M-1 Global, there is no reason why Fedor should not be able to make 205 and fight for the Strikeforce LHW title, the catch weight factor just sways this fight way to much in Fedors favour.

The only reason that I can think possible that Fedor is not fighting Hendo at 205 for the belt is quite simply because he is not willing to commit the effort to make weight, and if he is is not willing to put in the effort to make a legit weight to fight for a title then his heart can't be in it.

**Breadfan** · 07-09-2011, 09:46 AM

Pulling for Hendo on this, but I'm not betting the farm. Either that or which ever route needs to happen to get Fedor into UFC for a few fights that I still want to see.

**Ape City** · 07-09-2011, 11:53 AM

This is gonna be a killer fight. Really could see either guy taking it. They both love big power punches so this might actually come down to stand up war with cardio making the difference.

Quote:

Originally Posted by KillerShark1985

I see Fedor winning this fight quite easily, always been a fan of Fedor and always will give him the respect he deserves for what he has already done in the sport, nothing before in his actions or decisions relating to him or M-1 Global has ever wavered the respect I have for him, turning down the UFC did not bother me at all like it did so many fans.

But the fact is I dont like the catch weight factor in this fight, its obviously a condition been set by Fedor and M-1 Global, there is no reason why Fedor should not be able to make 205 and fight for the Strikeforce LHW title, the catch weight factor just sways this fight way to much in Fedors favour.

The only reason that I can think possible that Fedor is not fighting Hendo at 205 for the belt is quite simply because he is not willing to commit the effort to make weight, and if he is is not willing to put in the effort to make a legit weight to fight for a title then his heart can't be in it.

The extra 20 pounds of fat Fedor will be bringing to this fight isn't really gonna help him much. They are basically the same size but Fedor is shaped like a pear.

**Squirrelfighter** · 07-09-2011, 04:15 PM

Quote:

"I think I have to weigh-in over 206, so (I'll be) 206.1 (pounds), I guess,"

Dan Henderson: Balls of f*cking titanium!

kharitonovgpwin · 07-09-2011, 11:36 PM

I see fedor taking this easily he has the weight advantage speed,submissions and has a stronger will than hendo also hendo can not put the beating on fedor that bigfoot did and fedor still fought to the end and was only stopped by a doctor

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