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. ...

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. ...

I have no problem admitting that I felt quite deflated when it was announced that Mike Kyle had to pull out of his upcoming bout with Gegard Mousasi due to an injury. Kyle won me over as a fan back when he nearly stopped Antonio Silva and displayed quite a lot of heart and skill while doing so. But now Mousasi finds himself in much the same situation as BJ Penn: sitting on the sidelines and waiting for a new opponent. And in much the same vein, I’m going to throw my hat into the mix and give a list of the five fighters I think Gegard Mousasi should fight. Let’s dive right in. ...

Strikeforce light heavyweight champion Dan Henderson will enjoy some much needed time off. After debuting in the San Jose based organization in April of last year in disappointing fashion against then middleweight champion Jake Shields, the Team Quest co-owner has since rattled off a two-fight win streak inside the cage. In that stretch, Henderson dropped his patented "H-Bomb" on those two foes, Renato "Babalu" Sobral and Rafael "Feijao"--whom Dan dethroned as the promotions light heavyweight titleholder. Now, the living legend will be returning to the cage a little bit later this year, however upon his return he will have a bevy of contenders waiting on the wings to challenge him. ...

As the mixed martial arts world has since been turned on its head with the recent acquisition of Strikeforce into the Zuffa fold, a lot of fighters have expressed some serious concern. It's no secret that UFC President Dana White is one of the most polarizing figures in the sport, and part of his obvious charm is his lack of any sort of censorship. When something is on his mind, he has no problem with freely expressing himself, even if it is at the expense of others, case in point is his disdain for such fighters such as Paul Daley, Josh Barnett and MMA personality Frank Shamrock--all of whom have a rocky past with the UFC head honcho. And while Dana and current Strikeforce light heavyweight champion Dan Henderson have had their own troubled past, don't expect the former PRIDE star to completely rule out a return to the UFC, which could happen very soon. ...

From fans to journalists to the fighters themselves, everyone is still reeling over the landmark announcement that Zuffa, the parent company of the UFC, has purchased Strikeforce. In one fell swoop the UFC has bought up the second-biggest MMA promotion in the world, and even as a Strikeforce fan I can admit that it was a distant (though closer than ever before) second. Over the next few days we’ll likely be inundated with plenty of news about this deal, but for now, here’s what two of Strikeforce’s top fighters had to say: newly-crowned Light Heavyweight Champion Dan Henderson, and current Welterweight Championship contender Paul Daley. ...

Former Strikeforce light heavyweight champion Gegard Mousasi has made good on his comeback. While he hasn't real gone anywhere, the Armenian has had to do a little bit of "redeeming" after a setback suffered in April of last year, where he lost the Strikeforce 205-pound title against world class wrestler, "King Mo". The title has been like hot potato since. Once Muhammed Lawal claimed the strap, he immediately lost it in his first defense when he took on Rafael "Feijao", who later relinquished his strap against current champ Dan Henderson. Now, Mousasi will look to find some consistency in a shaky division, after posting a two-fight win streak since his defeat to Mo, when he takes on perennial contender Mike Kyle. ...

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. ...

By John Moody Ricardo Almeida has won four of last five fights in the UFC, recently winning a unanimous decision over TJ Grant, which eased the blow of a high profile loss to Matt Hughes at UFC 117.  At 34, “The Big Dog” does not have any Randy Couture or Dan Henderson age-defying DNA to source and fully realizes it is go-time, right now, to start a win streak and return to the conversation at the top of the 170lb division. ...

It’s always important and interesting to try and figure out how successful any major, recent MMA event was. Normally things are seen from the promotion’s side: live attendance, gate receipts, PPV buys, television ratings, etc. But it’s also important to take things from a fighter’s perspective: who made the most cash, and who will have to sit on the sidelines? Here we have just thought: the official salary figures as well as the official medical suspensions of strikeforce’s recent “Feijao vs. Henderson” event. As always, I’ve included some commentary. ...

Fight fans had plenty to talk about at the end of strikeforce’s last event, “Feijao vs. Henderson”. Whether it was Dan Henderson claiming another championship at forty years young, or Marloes Coenen snatching victory from the jaws of defeat with a great Triangle Choke, there was a lot of positive buzz after this show concluded. But you can’t really measure buzz, so the question should be asked: how successful was this show in more concrete terms? Here’s just that: the live attendance figures as well as the television ratings for Strikeforce: “Feijao vs. Henderson”, plus some commentary on what I think these numbers mean. ...