Hello and welcome to another round of my traditional start-of-month posts, with several definitive lists designed to give my full thoughts on all the MMA I watched in the previous month. Near the beginning of every new month, I’ll wrap up the previous month of action by counting down and listing off some of the month’s biggest moments and brightest stars. Now it’s time for the top five fights of July 2011, featuring all the best and can’t-miss moments of last month. Let’s dive right in. ...

Hello and welcome to another new edition of “Best of the Rest”! I really enjoy taking the time to give my detailed thoughts on a show after watching it, but after the serious discussion and debate I’ll raise in topics like “Top 5 Best Moments” and “Best Performance of the Night”, I think it’d be nice to have a semi-serious, occasionally tongue-in-cheek topic where I give out some other “awards”. It’s all in good fun, although I’ll raise a serious point occasionally. So let’s dive right into this latest edition, now featuring Strikeforce “Fedor vs. Henderson”. ...

It’s that time once again. Another major MMA event has come and gone, and it’s time for my unofficial “Best Performance of the Night” award. Considering how many interesting performances were turned in during Strikeforce’s “Fedor vs. Henderson” event, it was definitely a bit of a challenge to single out one fighter and give him (or her) this award. But even though I’m going with the obvious pick, I feel perfectly fine in doing so. Here’s why Dan Henderson’s amazing stoppage win over Fedor Emelianenko took home “Best Performance of the Night”. ...

Strikeforce’s “Fedor vs. Henderson” event was filled with stars, all of whom put on interesting, sometimes unexpected performances. But which stars shined brightest, and what moments will fans be talking about in the following weeks? Here’s my take on the matter: my top 5 best moments of Strikeforce “Fedor vs. Henderson”. ...

Strikeforce’s “Fedor vs. Henderson” event was an interesting show with a series of outcomes that will likely change the face of Strikeforce forever. Now once again it’s time to ask: what’s next? What does the future hold after Fedor Emelianenko lost for the third straight time? Here’s my answer to just that: a new edition of my “What’s Next for the Winners and Losers” series of articles, now featuring Strikeforce “Fedor vs. Henderson”. ...

Well, fans and friends, it’s come to this. After five interesting fights filled with stars, Strikeforce’s “Fedor vs. Henderson” event is in the history books. Championships were decided, and championship contenders were also determined. And in the main event, legends clashed in one of the best one-round fights in recent memory. It would end with Fedor Emelianenko on the receiving end of Dan Henderson’s killer right hook, which would crack the stoic Russian’s chin for the first time in forever and ultimately give Emelianenko the third straight loss in three fights, all of which were stoppages. Here are the full results as well as some early commentary on “Fedor vs. Henderson”. ...

In just a few hours from now, Strikeforce will hold its highly-anticipated “Fedor vs. Henderson” event, featuring a legendary match-up between legends Dan Henderson and Fedor Emelianenko. Also, Marloes Coenen defends her Strikeforce Women’s Welterweight Championship against Meisha Tate. Still, some fans may be asking themselves: what are the best reasons to check out this card? Here’s my answer to just that: 5 reasons to watch “Fedor vs. Henderson”. ...

We’re now only a few hours away from Strikeforce’s “Fedor vs. Henderson” event. In the main event, legends collide as Fedor Emelianenko takes on current Strikeforce Light Heavyweight Champion Dan Henderson. The co-main event will also be an interesting match-up, as Marloes Coenen faces Meisha Tate for the Strikeforce Women’s Welterweight Championship. As is customary, here is my official “picks and predictions” post (covering who I think will win and why), now featuring “Fedor vs. Henderson”. ...

And now, my special two-day four-part pair of “5 Reasons Why” double-articles concludes. I’ve examined why the upcoming match-up between Fedor Emelianenko both is and isn’t a “freak show” fight. I’ve also given my thoughts on why Fedor could beat Henderson. Now it’s time to wrap it all up with the five reasons why Dan Henderson could beat Fedor Emelianenko. Let’s do this. ...

My special two-day four-part “5 Reasons Why” posts continue into their second and final day right on the eve of Strikeforce: “Fedor vs. Henderson”. Yesterday, I examined why this fight could be perceived as a “freak show” fight and also why Fedor Emelianenko could beat Dan Henderson. Today, I’ll be covering the reverse of both those topics. To start, here are five reasons why Fedor/Henderson isn’t a “freak show” fight. ...

Hello once more fans and friends and welcome to the latest edition of “Crash Course”. “Crash Course” is a series of articles designed to give readers a quick rundown on all the relevant information they need to know heading into an upcoming major MMA event. Everything from why you should watch, what you should expect in the co-main and main event, and even where and when you can find it on TV is all covered in detail. So let’s get right to it with today’s edition, featuring Strikeforce’s “Fedor vs. Henderson”. ...

The emotions run the gamut: love, hate, anger, joy, and everything in-between. No matter who you are, you’ve probably got an opinion on Fedor Emelianenko vs. Dan Henderson. That fight and an entire Strikeforce event booked around it is only a few days away, and as we get closer and closer, more and more people are giving their last predictions on this fight. And me? I’ll do my part: here’s the first of a two-day two-part “5 Reasons Why” that looks at why Fedor Emelianenko could beat Dan Henderson and vice-versa. Starting us off today are the five reasons why “The Last Emperor” could beat the current Strikeforce Light Heavyweight Champion. ...

No matter who you are, you probably have a strong opinion on the upcoming main event of Strikeforce’s “Fedor vs. Henderson” card. MMA legend and pioneer Fedor Emelianenko steps into the cage against fellow legend Dan Henderson, who just so happens to be the current Strikeforce Light Heavyweight Champion. Is this a “freak show” fight or a tough battle between two warriors? Is Fedor Emelianenko fighting a “best in the world” fighter or a glorified Middleweight? And who’s going to win this one? Here’s my attempt to answer just that: a pair of “5 Reasons Why” pairings that will examine why Fedor/Henderson both is and isn’t a “freak show fight”, and “5 Reasons Why” Fedor could beat Henderson and Henderson could beat Fedor. I’ll start off by giving the cynics their due: these are the five biggest reasons why some are calling this fight a “freak show” encounter. ...

It’s now time, fans and friends. After two straight days of coverage, “A Closer Look At strikeforce: “Fedor vs. Henderson” enters its third and final day with its sixth and last entry. I’ve taken the time to talk about all the major fights and why you shouldn’t miss them, and why “Fedor vs. Henderson” in general is shaping up to be one of Strikeforce’s best events for the year. Part 1 of the series is available here, part 2 is here, part 3 is here, part 4 can be seen right here, and part 5 is here. Now it’s time to take a look at the fight we’ve all been waiting for: the main event “clash of the titans” that pits Fedor Emelianenko against Dan Henderson. Here are all the details. ...

Fans of strikeforce awoke to some shocking news today. It was reported on Strikeforce.com that Fedor Emelianenko would be heading to the ufc following his July 30 encounter with Dan Henderson. Emelianenko’s first opponent? None other than Anderson Silva, with the fight contested possibly at Light Heavyweight or, and this was a shocker, at Middleweight for the UFC Middleweight Championship. And in even bigger news, the winner would face Georges St. Pierre. It sounded too good to be true… and it was. Here are all the details. ...

Now that 2011 is already halfway through, multiple websites and even the UFC have released their fair share of “Best of the Half-Year” awards. I recently got in on the fun as well, but recently an additional thought hit me: there’s a lot of good fights heading our way! So since I’ve already looked back on the best moments of 2011, I think it’d be great to take a look forward at what will probably be some of the defining moments of the rest of the year. So here we go: these are my top five most-anticipated fights for the rest of 2011. ...

It’s that time again, fans and friends. A new month will soon be upon us, which means all-new fights and much-anticipated epic encounters. Near the start of every month I’ll be counting down the five fights I’m looking forward to the most, and why I’m looking forward to them. This is “Top 5 Most Anticipated Fights of July 2011”. Let’s get started. ...

A little over a month from now, Strikeforce will look to hold its next big event. On July 30 Strikeforce is scheduled to present “Fedor vs. Henderson”, featuring the legendary Fedor Emelianenko taking on current Strikeforce Light Heavyweight Champion Dan Henderson in a Heavyweight bout. One of the most-anticipated encounters outside that main event was a match-up between Paul Daley and Evangelista Santos, but recently it’s been confirmed that that’s a fight that will no longer be happening. Here are all the details. ...

Ever since Fedor Emelianenko’s shocking loss to Fabricio Werdum, many fans and insiders have openly asked whether or not the time was right for “The Last Emperor” to retire. Many more fans joined in asking that question when Emelianenko then lost to Antonio Silva. And even if it was decided that Emelianenko still had a few fights left in him, many wondered: what’s left for Fedor? One big match-up was either a catchweight bout or an official Heavyweight bout with Strikeforce Light Heavyweight Champion Dan Henderson. Now, after weeks of rumor and speculation, a new report states that this fight has been finalized. Here are all the details. ...

Since the proposition of a match-up pitting living legends Fedor Emelianenko and Dan Henderson against one another, the fans and media alike have taking the story and ran with it. While Fedor may be arguably in the "twilight" of his career, he still manages to entice fans both with his aura and fighting ability, which has laid waste to some of the greatest heavyweight of all time, including Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira (twice), Mark Coleman (twice) and former PRIDE Open Weight Grand Prix 2006 Champion, Mirko "Cro Cop". However, negotiations have come to a stand still and now that strikeforce (the San Jose based organization whom houses both Henderson and Emelianenko) has been acquired under the Zuffa banner, CEO Lorenzo Fertitta will now step in now to help expedite the process. ...

Here’s something you may not expect from someone who is both a Dan Henderson fan and a hardcore Fedor Emelianenko fan: I initially had a lukewarm reaction when rumors started spreading that these two would fight each other. I just didn’t like the idea of Strikeforce giving another title shot to a fighter coming off of a loss, even if that fighter was one of my favorites, even if that fighter is one of the best of all time. But recently it’s been revealed that this fight will likely be non-title and probably be at a catchweight. So long as those two things end up happening, I think this could be an excellent match. Read on for my full commentary on why Hendo vs. Fedor could be an epic encounter. ...

It wasn't all that long ago that Fedor Emelianenko was revered by everyone as the world's best heavyweight fighter. While that monicker has since been diminished following consecutive losses to Brazilian's Fabricio Werdum and Antonio Silva, one thing remains--Emelianenko is still a fan-favorite, and for that reason, he will be returning to the Strikeforce cage come this July. After his last loss against the aforementioned Silva, many speculated as to what would become of Fedor. Though he hinted towards retirement following the defeat, the Russian gathered himself and will still continue to compete. Though no longer in the illustrious heavyweight grand prix which kicked off last February, there are still favorable matches that Emelianenko could partake in. One bout that is sure to satisfy the most hardcore of fans may be taking shape this July, as it appears that Fedor will be stepping in the cage against current Strikeforce light heavyweight champion, Dan Henderson. ...

The former consensus number one heavyweight fighter in the world, Fedor Emelianenko will in fact be returning to the cage very, very soon. The former PRIDE champion was at one point thought to be seemingly unbeatable. While at the peak of his career he officially did have a loss to Tsuyoshi Khosaka, a controversial TKO (cut) loss which stemmed back to his days in Rings, he later avenged his one and only defeat with a TKO of his own. However, "The Last Emperor" is currently reeling from two back-to-back losses which cannot be mistaken for anything else but for what they were: genuine defeats. However, come this July, the Russian fighter still may have the chance to reclaim what was his. ...

Everyone has been talking about it: Strikeforce is now a Zuffa-owned company. It’s become apparent that the upstart promotion will continue to operate as its own entity for at least the next two years or so, but after that it’s anyone’s guess. So of course, many are hoping that there comes a day where the UFC’s best meets Strikeforce’s best. I too can’t wait for that day, so here’s a little something we’ve all been discussing lately: my top 5 Strikeforce vs. UFC matches. Let’s get to it. ...

It's no secret that Fabricio Werdum has had a relationship with the UFC in the past. In fact, after Werdum's PRIDE days were over once the organization had been purchased by the UFC, he eventually made his way to the Zuffa owned promotion in April of 2007, however succumbed to a lackluster decision defeat to former UFC heavyweight champion Andrei Arlovski at UFC 70 upon his entry. Afterwards, the Brazilian would go on to compile an overall record of 2-2, with wins over Gabriel Gonzaga and Brandon Vera later besmirched by a devastating knockout loss to current top contender Junior dos Santos. After the loss, the two parties couldn't come to terms on a new deal, and Werdum made his own elsewhere, and found his way to Strikeforce. However, now with the acquisition of the San Jose based promotion, Werdum has now become one of the top prizes of the organization. ...

Dan Henderson is still a bad man. At the ripe age of 40, Henderson was able to nab his prestigious strikeforce light heavyweight title when he knocked out then champion Rafael "Feijao" in the third-round of their championship bout last weekend. Since then, Gegard Mousasi and/or Mike Kyle have appeared as the front runners for Henderson's newly acquired title, however the former PRIDE star may have other people in mind at this point. In fact, currently it's the former consensus pound-for-pound best fighter in the world in Fedor Emelianenko, which has recently peaked Dan's interest. ...

Strikeforce semi-finalist Sergei Kharitonov is in some what of a position to comment on Fedor Emelianenko's current standings. In fact, he's probably the only friend that remains honest with "The Last Emperor", despite both men seemingly severing ties some years ago after a falling out. Kharitonov is among the few who has spoken pubicly about Fedor's camp, and his need to diversify his surroundings in order to better himself as a fighter. He should know, he used to train with the guy. ...

Well, this is certainly interesting to say the least. There appears to be a new development on the bizarre story featuring one of Fedor Emelianenko’s trainers, Vladimir Voronov, claiming that “psychological technologies” were used in order to influence Emelianenko during his recent losing performance against Antonio Silva. In a new interview, Voronov is now stating that he in fact said no such thing. Here are all the details. ...

Since his win over Fedor Emelianenko sent shockwaves through the mixed martial arts community, Antonio Silva has heard it all. The the Russian heavyweight wasn't at his best, or that the fight was premature stoppage. And apparently, the American Top Team has heard enough of it. In fact, the Brazilian juggernaut is open to a rematch with the former PRIDE heavyweight champion, should the two meet again in the foreseeable future. ...

Many are wondering what the future holds for Fedor Emelianenko. Only a select few have any say in that matter. Strikeforce CEO Scott Coker is one of those rare few. Coker was the driving force behind bringing Emelianenko to Strikeforce in the first place, and he’s kept “The Last Emperor” under the Strikeforce banner despite several high-profile contract renegotiations. Recently, Coker commented both on Emelianenko’s future and the highly controversial Twitter rant launched by UFC President Dana White in response to Emelianenko’s latest loss to Antonio Silva. ...