Henderson Leaves UFC for Strikeforce

It has recently been announced that UFC Middleweight Dan Henderson, is now Strikeforce Middleweight Dan Henderson. Henderson first fought for the Ultimate Fighting Championship eleven years ago at UFC 17. He then participated in a RINGS tournament, where he placed first. Following that he joined the Pride promotion where he held a professional Mixed Martial Arts record of 22-5 before Pride's merger with UFC. With the UFC he had five fights, three as a Middleweight and two as a Light Heavyweight. Henderson recently was on The Ultimate Fighter: United States vs. United Kingdom where he was the United States coach opposite the United Kingdom coach, Michael Bisping. The two coaches developed a strong rivalry on the show and eventually clashed at UFC 100. Henderson won the fight with a very strong knockout in the second round. This lead many fan's to believe Henderson would have a very strong future in the Middleweight division of the UFC, but it turned out to be his last fight with the promotion.

Many people are asking the question, is Strikeforce the right move for Henderson? My answer is, yes. Henderson is known for his ability to switch nearly seamlessly between Light Heavyweight and Middleweight. In the UFC the Middleweight division is ruled by Anderson Silvia, who Henderson will never be able to beat. There is even some argument if any Middleweight can beat him. Henderson, as a Light Heavyweight in the UFC, cannot compete with the top tier fighters such as Lyoto Machida or Rashad Evans. But with Strikeforce, this is a completely different story.

Dan Henderson can be a champion in Strikeforce. Not only a champion, but it is possible that he could hold both the Middleweight, and the Light Heavyweight championship simultaneously. Strikeforce could toss Henderson in against Jake Shields, the current Middleweight champion, for his first Strikeforce fight and have a great fight. But, I don't see this likely as Strikeforce will want to give their new asset a few fights before giving him a title shot. But, who's first?

I would like to see Dan Henderson go through three fights to the top: Nick Diaz, then Cung Le, then finally Jake Shields. This would prove that Henderson is nearly without a doubt that he is the best Middleweight in the division. After a title defense or two he could start attempting to climb the Light Heavyweight ladder. Although the three opponents I laid out for him definitely aren't pushovers.

Nick Diaz has been a professional MMA fighter for the last ten years, acquiring an impressive record of twenty wins with only seven losses. Since fighting for Strikeforce he has beaten Frank Shamrock by technical knockout and submitted Scott Smith with a rear naked choke. Diaz is currently on a five win streak and doesn't appear to be stopping anytime soon.

Cung Le fought all of his six professional Mixed Martial Arts fights with Strikeforce, and won all of them. In early 2008 he won the Middleweight championship from Frank Shamrock by breaking his arm. Le though had to give up his title to pursue his film career. He is returning to Strikeforce December 19, 2009 to fight Scott Smith.

The current Middleweight champion, Jake Shields, would be Dan Henderson's final challenge. Jake Shields is currently on a thirteen win streak, and remains undefeated in the Strikeforce promotion. His last fight was for the then vacant Middleweight title against Jason Miller, which he won by unanimous decision. I believe that Henderson would be the guy to end Shields' win streak once and for all, but I can't say for certain he will be able to.

These are the fights I would line up for Dan Henderson within the Strikeforce promotion. But what Henderson's first fight, let alone second and third, is a mystery to all of us. But one thing is sure, he will be able to bring a lot of competition to the Strikeforce Middleweight, and possibly Light Heavyweight, divisions.

Sources:
ESPN, "Dan "Hendo" Henderson Fight Results and Bio." ESPN.com
ESPN, "Michael "The Count" Bisping Fight Results and Bio." ESPN.com
ESPN, "Cung Le Fight Results and Bio." ESPN.com
ESPN, "Jake Shields Fight Results and Bio." ESPN.com
Sherdog, "Nick Diaz." Sherdog.com
Strikeforce, "MMA Superstar and Former U.S. Olympic Wrestler Dan Henderson Signs with Strikeforce." Strikeforce.com
Loretta Hunt, "Why Henderson Chose Strikeforce." Sherdog.com