On July 30, Strikeforce will put on one of their biggest cards of the year when they present Strikeforce/M-1 Global: Fedor vs Henderson. The main event alone is one of the most high profile fights in both fighters' careers when the longtime consensus greatest Heavyweight in MMA history takes on one of the most recognized and accomplished veterans of the sport known for his one-punch knockout power. The co-main event will serve its own importance for the promotion and the sport when for the first time since Zuffa's purchase of the promotion a Women's MMA title will be on the line pitting the champion and dangerous submission grappler against one of the strongest female wrestlers in the sport. Also on the card, a Middleweight contender eliminator when a heavy hitting veteran of the sport takes on a U.S. Army Ranger and veteran of the battle field. In another title eliminator, two competitive Welterweights will go head-to-head when a heavy hitting Muay Thai striker from the U.K. takes on an undefeated All-American wrestler in a bout where the winner will move on to fight for the division's vacant title.And to open up the main card, a Welterweight bout where both fighters will be fighting for the chance to stay relevant in the views of regular fans. There is plenty on the line for each fighter, and it all gets settled in the cage.
Main Card Bouts:
"The Last Emperor" Fedor Emelianenko (31-3-0(1)) vs Dan "Hendo" Henderson (27-8-0)
Marloes "Rumina" Coenen (19-4-0) vs Miesha "Takedown" Tate (11-2-0)
Time Kennedy (13-3-0) vs "Ruthless" Robbie Lawler (18-7-0(1))
Paul "Semtex" Daley (27-10-2) vs Tyron "T-Wood" Woodley (8-0-0)
Scott "Hands of Steel" Smith (17-8-0(1)) vs Tarec "Sponge" Saffiedine (10-3-0)
Fedor vs Henderson
The main event will be one for all MMA fans to see and one that would have been perfect to see when both legendary fighters were in their prime when fighting in the now defunct PrideFC. The headliner will pit longtime reigning elite Heavyweight Fedor Emelianenko against current Strikeforce Light Heavyweight champion Dan Henderson in what will officially be a Heavyweight bout. While there was some confusion between the involved parties on whether this bout would be contested as a Catch-weight or officially as a Heavyweight bout, it appears that it will be officially recognized as a Heavyweight bout where the minimum weight limit is 206lbs. Fedor will come into this bout on the first losing streak in his career with a Rnd1 Submission loss to Fabricio Werdum at Strikeforce/M-1 Global: Fedor vs Werdum that shook the MMA world and a Rnd2 TKO loss to Antonio Silva at Strikeforce: Fedor vs Silva where he was surprisingly eliminated from the Strikeforce World Heavyweight Grand Prix in the first round of the tournament. Henderson will come in on a two fight winning streak that includes a Rnd1 KO over former division champion Renato Sobral and a Rnd3 TKO over Rafael Cavalcante to claim the Strikeforce Light Heavyweight title. The striking advantage may be considered even in some ways, though many analysts will pick Fedor as the favorite in the stand up with a more mixed striking game with a unique boxing style that sees him throwing long looping swings that are almost always precise. Henderson has a strong striking game himself, though his striking is mostly based on setting up the delivery of his signature one punch knockout power he possesses in his right. Though Henderson's right hand is known by every fighter as his signature tool in finishing a fight, avoiding his powerful punch always proves difficult for opponents to avoid it as he is quick to cut them off when circling away. The grappling advantage will be favored to Fedor with a dangerous submission game ranging from his Sambo background and proven with half of his wins coming by way of submission. While Henderson possesses an extensive wrestling background that includes wrestling on the NCAA1 collegiate level and representing the United States twice in the Summer Olympics in Greco-Roman wrestling, it is somewhat rare to see him utilize it offensively and is seen using it more in a sprawl-&-brawl manner. While Fedor is favored in both fields coming into this bout, all this may be determined on how he comes into this bout. During the confusion between both Fedor and Henderson's camp on what weight the bout would officially be contested at, there were hints that Fedor was going to use this bout as a test in cutting weight and may intend on moving down to fight at 205lbs, a move that many feel he should have done years ago. A win for either fighter holds some significant importance in their careers. A win for Fedor possibly saves him from retiring with three losses in a row, and if he is serious about cutting down to 205lbs and does use this bout as a test, he could open a brand new chapter in his career. A win for Henderson earns him the highest profile win in his career defeating the consensus #1 Heavyweight in the history of the sport. Even with this being such a high profile bout for both fighters, a win is needed most for Fedor to salvage his career in the eyes of critics who question his management and choice to never fight the consensus elite, while a loss for Henderson does nothing at all really to his stock as the promotion's Light heavyweight champion.
(C)Coenen vs Tate
The co-main event will serve a significant purpose in the promotion serving as the first Women's title fight in Strikeforce after the purchase by Zuffa, and can gauge the level of the elite in Women's MMA and could potentially save the Women's divisions in the long run from potentially being dropped completely by Zuffa. In the first Female MMA tittle bout under Zuffa, reigning champ and dangerous submission grappler Marloes Coenen will look to defend her title for a second time against Strikeforce Women's Welterweight Tournament winner and rival Miesha Tate. Both were expected to meet originally at Strikeforce: Feijao vs Henderson, but Tate was forced off the card just over a week away the event due to injury. Coenen is coming in on a two fight winning streak that includes defeating Sarah Kaufman with a Rnd3 Submission win to claim the title and a come from behind Rnd4 Submission win to defend her title against Liz Carmouche who replaced the injured Tate on just one weeks notice. Tate is coming in on a five fight win streak with the most recent two coming by Unanimous Decision Over Maiji Kujala and Hitomi Akano to win the Strikeforce Women's Welterweight Tournament in one night at Strikeforce Challengers 10: Riggs vs Taylor. While both fighters' strengths are focused on their skills on the ground, the striking advantage will go the way of Coenen, whose kickboxing and Muay Thai skills continually improve while training at elite European camp Golden Glory. While Tate is no slouch in the stand up, her striking is usually focused on closing the distance to take her opponents down. The advantage on the ground is a difficult to point out since both fighters have their own skill sets and strategies. With the strategy that Tate may look to display, the advantage may go her way with the basic takedown and ground-£ strategy, or just look to control from the top. Coenen possesses a dangerous submission game that is proven with fourteen of her wins coming by submission. After being dominated by Carmouche in her last bout, Coenen will need to improve her defense as Tate is more dangerous from the mount compared to Carmouche. The advantage overall can go either way, though Coenen's more crisp striking game and capability to lock on a submission at any point makes her a favorite. Depending on Tate's game plan and how she intends to use her wrestling, Tate can wear out the champ and control the fight en route to a decision. The expected manner of victory for Coenen will be via submission, while Tate's chances favor more of a TKO finish or take a decision.
Lawler vs Kennedy
The midway bout is expected to be a title eliminator for two Middleweight contenders who both want a shot at revenge against the reigning division champion in the promotion. Heavy hitting veteran of the sport Robbie Lawler looks to land hard when he takes on US Army Ranger and war veteran Time Kennedy. Lawler will be coming in off a failed attempt to capture the division title after tapping out to a Rnd3 submission against champion Ronaldo Souza at Strikeforce: Diaz vs Cyborg. Kennedy will be coming in off a strong rebound win with a Rnd1 Submission win over dangerous kickboxer Melvin Manhoef at Strikeforce: Feijao vs Henderson. While not officially announced or confirmed, the winner of this bout is expected to earn another shot at the winner of Souza vs Rockhold for the Middleweight title. The advantage in the stand up will without a doubt go the way of Lawler with one punch knockout power that has earned him fifteen wins by way of (T)KO. While Kennedy has a technical striking game of his own, he is not as well known for his punching power. The advantage on the ground will go the way of Kennedy with a strong wrestling base and never ending drive when looking for takedowns. The game plan for Lawler will without a doubt be to keep the fight standing avoiding Kennedy's takedowns and looking to land the knockout punch. Kennedy's game plan will almost definitely be to take the fight to the ground where he can look for the submission win or control from the top to land some ground-&-pound. While the smart game plan for Kennedy will be to take the fight to the ground as soon as he can, he is not one to shy away from a striking exchange. The favorite in this bout may be difficult to pick in some ways, mainly because it will depend on Lawler's takedown defense and Kennedy's evasion. If Lawler can defend the takedowns of Kennedy, then he can keep the fight standing where he can back him into a corner and look for the knockout. If Kennedy can take Lawler down and control him on the ground, there are plenty of ways for him to earn the victory that includes grinding out a decision. Even with that, the favorite to win will most likely be Lawler with the strong knockout power and the probability that his takedown defense will have improved enough to keep the fight where he wants it.
Daley vs Woodley
The second main card bout will have title implications on the line where the winner will move on to fight an unnamed opponent later on for the vacant Strikeforce Welterweight championship. This Welterweight bout will pit devastating British striker Paul Daley against undefeated wrestling powerhouse Tyron Woodley. Daley will be coming in off a failed attempt to capture the promotion's title from then champion Nick Diaz with a Rnd1 TKO loss that served as one of the most exciting rounds in modern MMA history. Woodley will be coming in on an undefeated eight fight winning streak that includes a recent Unanimous Decision win over tough kickboxer Tarec Saffiedine at Strikeforce Challengers 13: Woodley vs Saffiedine. While this bout will be widely seen as a striker vs grappler affair, that expectation may depend on how one of the two fighters decides to approach this fight. The advantage in the stand up will undoubtedly go the way of Daley with the more experienced striking game and multiple displays of one-punch knockout power which he displayed when he knocked out Scott Smith with a single hook while backing away. While Woodley does possess some strong power in his heavy hands, his striking game is nowhere near as experienced as Daley's or as technical. While Daley will undoubtedly have the advantage in the stand up, Woodley will have the undeniable advantage in the grappling game. With an NCAA1 All-American wrestling background, Woodley has the strength and drive that can take Daley down to the canvas where his defensive skills are not very strong. Daley's weakness has always been his ground game and takedown defense against strong wrestlers and grapplers as proven by Jake Shields and Josh Koscheck before. Though Woodley's strengths are primarily his wrestling credentials he has felt the urge to showcase his improving striking skills. The plan for Daley will without a doubt be to keep this fight standing at all times and defend the inevitable takedown attempts Woodley will deliver. If Woodley comes in with a good game plan, the strategy will involve setting up takedowns while luring Daley into closing the distance himself and feeling more comfortable in the stand up where a takedown attempt will catch him off guard. This bout serves even more importance for Daley having stated that he feels trying to earn the Strikeforce Welterweight title may be his last chance at earning a title in a major MMA promotion after being banned for life from the UFC following his sucker punch to Josh Koscheck after the final bell of their fight and showing no remorse when Dana White immediately talked to him in the cage. With title implications, this is an important bout in both fighters' careers with one seeing this as a last chance, and the other looking to claim a legitimate title while still considered a prospect in the sport.
Smith vs Saffiedine
The opening bout for the main card will pit two strikers in a bout where they both hope to rebound from recent losses. This Welterweight affair will pit UFC and Strikeforce veteran Scott Smith against tough kickboxer Tarec Saffiedine where the winner jumps back into relevancy. Smith will look to rebound from a devastating Rnd1 KO loss to Paul Daley at Strikeforce: Henderson vs Babalu II. Saffiedine will look to rebound from a Unanimous Decision loss to Tyron Woodley at Strikeforce Challengers 13: Woodley vs Saffiedine. Both are experienced competitors in ending up in every position when fighting, and both have a preference to keep the fight standing. The advantage in the stand up may be an even match up, with Smith always looking to put on a show aiming for the jawline and making surprise comebacks that stun his opponents, while Saffiedine works more of a Muay Thai and kickboxing game to be a more technical striker. The advantage on the ground will go the way of Saffiedine feeling the most comfortable when on the ground. With this being the least anticipated bout on the main card, both fighters will have to deliver in looking for the finish. With a style that always shows a fighter willing to "go out on his shield", Smith is never one to flat out disappoint when bringing the entertainment, and Saffiedine has been trying to figure out his place holing to fight in the big shows. With relevancy on the line, each fighter will look to be aggressive and throw down as the winner saves his chances on getting on another main card for exposure and good pay. Picking one fighter to come out on top is a little unpredictable with Smith always having a shocking come from behind spirit in bouts where he is the one more damaged, and Saffiedine is chopping at the opportunity to be recognized as a potential contender in the division.
This event will without a doubt be an important event for Strikeforce as it opens up the second half of the year and sets the bar for later events. In all the bouts scheduled on the main card, wins are much needed for for every fighter with each holding their own significance. For Fedor, a win is needed to save his career from being added to the list of fighting legends who have met the unfortunate reality of retirement. Depending on how he wants to carry out the rest of his career, Fedor can use this win to revitalize his career and continue to fight at Heavyweight, or he could use that win to retire on a positive note. Should Fedor actually decide to test a weight cut and consider fighting at Light Heavyweight, a win for him would open a new chapter in his career and would most likely set up a rematch with Henderson in his next bout. A win for Henderson would earn him the highest profile win in his career and settle the dream match up that fans from the days of PrideFC has always wondered about. With his Light Heavyweight title not on the line, a loss for Henderson really does nothing to his career except add one more defeat to a record that already boasts some of the most entertaining victories in the sport. For the Women's MMA title bout of the night, a win for either woman competing will be an important step in their career. With a serious grudge between the two, Coenen will need to prove that the domination that Carmouche inflicted upon her for a great deal of the fight was just an accident, and cannot allow a fighter like Tate to do the same. A win for Coenen proves she is the #1 competitor in the Women's Welterweight division in MMA and earns bragging rights over Tate. A win for Tate proves her statements in interviews where she has criticized Coenen's skills and picking her as an easy opponent, as well as give her the bragging rights defeating the #1 fighter in the division. For the midway Middleweight bout, a win will for sure through the winner back into title contention in the division. A win for Robbie Lawler would shake off the criticism he has faced following his failed attempt to capture the division title and gives him the opportunity to prove he has learned from his mistakes. A win for Kennedy earns him a win over a veteran of the sport and depending on what manner he earns the victory, he could show that he can take on some of the more dangerous talent in the division. In the Welterweight title eliminator on the card, a win for either will prove to be one of the most important in their careers to date. A win for Daley is a must in his view and supported by many as he sees this as his last chance to claim a legitimate title in the sport and hope to capture that title to gain probable leverage when he tries to regain access to the UFC after being banished. A win for Woodley gains him his highest profile victory in his career so far against a feared striker, and depending on his game plan coming into this bout, he could either let loose with his own striking and best the veteran, or be one of many who would exploit the Englishman's weakness on the ground. For the opening Welterweight bout of the card, a win for either fighter really brings them into relevancy. In the least anticipated bout on the main card, both fighters will need to prove that they are worthy of the spotlight if even just for the night. With a stacked card, fans on the fence or supporting any of the fighters all the way can expect excitement and action when each fighter comes in with hopes of saving a legacy, defining a career, making a statement in the sport for the unappreciated competitors, proving the doubters wrong, looking to take advantage of a last chance, making a stepping stone out of a veteran, or just wanting to put on a show. This is what makes MMA one of the greatest sports in the world.
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