After hearing rumors over the last few days that Strikeforce was working on a fight between Russian icon Fedor Emelianenko (31-3, 1NC) and light heavyweight champ Dan Henderson (27-8), Strikeforce CEO Scott Coker confirmed the fight was in the works for an upcoming July event.
Coker noted that details of the bout were still being worked on, with the main issue between the two sides being the fight weight.
“We asked Fedor if he’d come down to 205 [pounds], and that didn’t come to a good result. So, you know, we’re going to keep pushing and hopefully have something to announce in the next two weeks or so. Right now, the fight’s not made yet. Sometimes it’s the little things – and I don’t want to get into the contract negotiations – but it’s the little things where somebody wants this, somebody wants that.”
Reporter Loretta Hunt is reporting that M-1 Global has come back asking for a catchweight bout of between 215 – 220 pounds, with Henderson replying that he’d be willing to fight at heavyweight.
Emelianenko is coming of a TKO loss due to doctor’s stoppage after being pummeled by Brazilian heavyweight Antonio “Bigfoot” Silva last February in the opening round of the Grand Prix Tournament. This was the second straight loss for the Russian, who looked outsized, and possibly outdated, compared to many modern heavyweight fighters.
Henderson earned the Strikeforce light heavyweight title last month, defeating Rafael “Feijao” Cavalcante via third round knockout. It was “Hendo’s” second straight win and his fourth victory in five matches, which included a middleweight title loss to Jake Shields last year.