Strikeforce Preview: Fedor, Hendo and a Women's Title Fight

Dan Henderson (27-8, 2-1 SF) vs. Fedor Emelianenko (31-3, 1nc, 1-2 SF)
After an uninspiring Strikeforce debut (coming off three straight UFC wins before leaving the organization), Dan Henderson seems to have reclaimed his mojo with knockout wins over Rafael Cavalcante and Babalu. Fedor on the other hand looks more mortal than ever. Getting caught by Fabricio Werdum was one thing, but the utter face-smashing Bigfoot Silva put on The Last Emporer left everyone claiming he was done. At 40, Henderson has just as many miles on his body as Fedor. You forget that Fedor will be just 35 in September. Dealing with a light heavyweight should keep Fedor from being overpowered for a sustained amount of time. It just comes down to who you think will be ready to step up and put on the best show in what is truly a legends match.

Champ Marloes Coenen (19-4, 3-1 SF) vs. Miesha Tate (12-2, 4-1 SF)
As I said before, first women’s title fight in Zuffa history. This is pretty freaking historic right? Hello? Tate won 4 fights in 2010, then went inactive from August to tomorrow. Coenen is 2-0 at 135 pounds after Cris Cyborg physically beat her out of the 145 pound division. This fight – like many before it – is important for the women’s fight game. If Coenen and Tate can put on an entertaining fight, it could help bring some momentum back to women’s MMA with Cris Cyborg hopefully returning soon.

Tim Kennedy (13-3, 4-1 SF) vs. Robbie Lawler (18-7, 1nc, 2-3 SF)
Between 2005 and 2008, after being cut form the UFC, Lawler went on a 8-1, 1nc run. Since then, he’s had highs and lows going 2-3. Tim Kennedy is a God damned Army hero. While Lawler’s brawling style is always fun, he might be the first American citizen to hear the U-S-A chant be in favor of his opponent. Expect somebody to get knocked out.

Paul Daley (27-10-2, 1-1 SF) vs. Tyron Woodley (8-0, 6-0 SF)
Finally! A real opponent for Tyron Woodley! Tarec Saffiedine was a tiny step in the right direction for Tyron Woodley earlier this year. Now, an injury to Evangelista Santos has given Woodley his first big name opponent. Daley’s only losses in the last two years were to Josh Koscheck (in a UFC title-eliminator) and Nick Diaz (in a Strikeforce title fight). Woodley wins this, he’s on his way to a Strikeforce title shot. Who knows when that will be, but it would be fitting for Woodley who basically spent the last two years toiling away on Strikeforce Challengers cards. Dude has earned it. Unless Paul Daley knocks him the F out.

Tarec Saffiedine (10-3, 2-1 SF) vs. Scott Smith (17-8, 1nc, 3-3 SF)
Bless Scott Smith’s little heart. This guy has taken and handed out some beatings for our pleasure. In 26 career fights, he’s heard what the judge’s had to say once. He’s submitted people and been submitted. He’s knocked guys out and been knocked out. Scott Smith is a classic “What to do/What not to do” example of how to handle your career for any fighter. On the one hand, he never leaves it in the hands of the judges. On the other, you don’t get rich losing every other fight. While Saffiedine has more submissions and decisions than anything else, Smith’s style should ensure this fight ending with someone looking at the rafters saying, “What happened?”

PRELIMINARY CARD
Gesias Cavalcante vs. Bobby Green
Eduardo Pamplona vs. Tyler Stinson
Alexis Davis vs. Julie Kedzie
Derek Brunson vs. Lumumba Sayers
Bryan Humes vs. Gabriel Salinas-Jones

[Image via @DanHendo]