Strikeforce Columbus: Hendo Over Heels
Known for his superior wrestling and grappling ability, Dan “Hendo” Henderson will look to utilize this skill come March 5th during his fight against Rafael “Feijao” Cavalcante for the Strikeforce Light Heavyweight Championship.
Hendo has an extensive wrestling back round, with accolades that go as high as representing the USA in both 1992 and 1996 Olympic Games. His style of wrestling is unique because he implements a high level of Greco Roman wrestling techniques, which consist of groups of leg trips, body locks and throws from the standing clinch position. Dan also has a solid tradition wrestling base as well.
Feijao and sharks have something in common, when they smell blood, they both kill. Smothering his opponents with punches, elbows and knees from all positions makes Rafael such a difficult opponent to prepare for. Finding someone with that tenacious mentality and ability is hard to come by. All 10 of Rafael’s wins have come by stoppage due to strikes.
Dan Henderson is a smart fighter, and always has been a smart fighter- never losing his composure even when dealing with some of the more difficult fighters. I’m sure everyone remembers the the Bisping vs. Henderson fight. Like always, Bisping came in talking a lot of trash about Hendo and his abilities. Then Henderson decides to put him to sleep via punch in the 2nd round.
> Check out the official Strikeforce: Columbus March 5 results after the fights become official and historic Strikeforce results online at ProFighting-fans.com!
I Henderson knows that Feijao is a dangerous man standing or to have on top of you. Hendo might stand with him for a little bit and pepper around some punches and soften up his legs with some kicks but his main plan should be to impose his will onto Feijao and put him on his back. If Hendo does put him on his back, it will be interesting to see Feijao’s ground game. He does train with the Nogueira brothers and Anderson Silva so you have to assume he knows how to defend while on his back.
At the same stroke of the token, Hendo very well could stay and exchange with Feijao. Heavy handed is what Henderson is but he lacks the speed and quickness that would set him atop the elite strikers in his class. Henderson has a big advantage on Feijao in one category, and that is late round experience. Hendo has 13 wins under his belt via decision. Going into the later rounds, grinding out minute after minute with your eye swelling shut on you is something Feijao hasn’t had to go through yet. Gladiator like, would be a good way to describe Henderson’s heart. Plain and simple, Hendo is ready to go to the death to win the battle. He knows what that pain feels like with 2 minutes to go in the 5th round battling for the title.
If Henderson gets in trouble early, look for him to take the fight to the ground. This fight is sure to ignite fireworks in the building come March 5th. Henderson isn’t capable of being in a boring fight and Feijao doesn’t disappoint either. Hendo always has been, and always will be the crowd favorite. Don’t be surprised to see a new champ crowned on March 5th.
By: Jeffrey Meinicke
ProFightingFans.com MMA Staff Writer