It seems that negotiations appear to be resolved, as a non-title superfight between Fedor Emelianenko and Dan Henderson looks to be scheduled for an upcoming Strikeforce event later this year. According to MMAjunkie.com, the superfight between the…
It seems that negotiations appear to be resolved, as a non-title superfight between Fedor Emelianenko and Dan Henderson looks to be scheduled for an upcoming Strikeforce event later this year.
According to MMAjunkie.com, the superfight between the two former Pride FC stars, is expected to be contested at heavyweight and is planned for July 30th, likely to serve as the headliner and to be held on pay-per-view.
The website also reports that both Strikeforce CEO Scott Coker and UFC executive Lorenzo Fertitta are looking to secure the potential bout. UFC president, Dana White said he won’t get involved.
“Lorenzo’s working on it,” White said during last week’s UFC 129 pre-fight press conference.
“Me getting anywhere near that thing? You’ll never see that fight.”
Emelianenko will look to rebound with a win over Henderson, as the Russian has suffered back-to back losses for the first time in his career. Meanwhile, Dan Henderson is only a month removed from capturing Strikeforce light heavyweight gold after earning a knockout victory over former champion, Rafael ‘Feijao” Cavalcante at Strikefore: Feijao vs. Henderson.
A location for the bout has not been confirmed, although reports have suggested the Sears Centre in Chicago is a possible destination.
Lyoto Machida silenced his detractors and reentered himself into the title picture following his knockout of Randy Couture at UFC 129. Machida, who was on a two-fight losing streak, attempted a flying crane kick that landed precisely on his oppone…
Lyoto Machida silenced his detractors and reentered himself into the title picture following his knockout of Randy Couture at UFC 129.
Machida, who was on a two-fight losing streak, attempted a flying crane kick that landed precisely on his opponent’s chin, dropping him in the process. It’s a win he desperately needed and a win he credited to his training regiment.
“I increased my training, demanding more from my sparrings, and I felt comfortable in every single situation,” Machida explained to TATAME.com following his victory.
Machida continued saying he focused more on his karate and implemented different training techniques and a nutrition plan in order to prepare for the light heavyweight bout. And while he did change a few things during his training camp, “The Dragon” said he stuck to his roots that helped him become UFC light heavyweight champion not too long ago.
“I felt myself more aggressive… I kept my style, but with an upgrade,” Machida said.
He credits the upgrade to his father, Yoshizo Machida and actor / martial artist, Steven Seagal, who helped Machida perfect his flying crane kick, ultimately earning “Knockout of the Night” honours.
“When I started my preparation, after I did a hernia surgery, I couldn’t do everything in training, so my father told me to train three or four types of kicks and use them in sparring, but very carefully, because they hurt a lot, it’s like the elbow. When I came to Canada I met Steven Seagal, and he told “Lyoto, this kick will hit”. But I wasn’t worried to use it or not, I’d do it if the opportunity came. I came more relaxed to the second round and hit that.”
The highlight reel knockout has drawn comparisons to friend and teammate, Anderson Silva, who also landed a front kick that knocked out his opponent, Vitor Belfort at UFC 126.
And now that Machida has regained his form after picking up the win, there have been fans demanding Machida take on newly crowned champion, Jon Jones as there are some who believe Machida’s style could potentially pose problems for the 23 year old.
But for now, Machida is content to wait and see the division work itself out and look to inch closer to title bout one fight at a time.
“I don’t think too much far away, I take step by step. I know every fight is important to become better. I don’t have that pressure to become the champion again. I’ll get that chance,” Machida said.
It seems that negotiations appear to be resolved, as a non-title superfight between Fedor Emelianenko and Dan Henderson looks to be scheduled for an upcoming Strikeforce event later this year.