Even at the age of 40, Dan Henderson's overhand right still gives people nightmares.
For Black House product "Feijao" Calavante, those nightmares will come early and often, as he is now the 5th consecutive Strikeforce 205 lb. kingpin to lose his title in his first defense, following the path forged by him by Mohammed "King Mo" Lawal and Gegard Mousasi.
Feijao had his moments to hold onto his title though, as early in round 1 dropped a devastating right hand of his own that had Henderson on Dream Street, though the 2 time (1992 and '98) US Olympian pulled him into his guard and kept him there. Then there was the moment in the second round where Feijao reversed Henderson's takedown and had a dominant position.
Both times, however, Henderson kept his cool. And just under a minute into Round 3, Henderson unleashed his signature punch, knocking Feijao halfway across the cage, then finished him off with a flurry of punches, enough for referee Dan Margilotta to stop the contest.
It's a punch that I kind of like to do – inside leg kick, overhand right," Henderson told cage interviewer Mauro Ranallo "It's one that I work on all the time. I threw it, landed it and jumped on top. He started to recover, then I landed a couple good punches on top."
Next for Henderson : Be the first 205 lb. champ in Strikeforce to hold onto the title (he mentioned having to break the curse during the post fight interview). Perhaps a fight with the winner of Mike Kyle and Gegard Mousasi?
Next for Feijao : More tutoring from Anderson Silva and the Noguieras. He showed some fight and did manage to steal a round (perhaps 2) from Henderson. He'll be back.
In the other title fight, Women's 135 lb. champ Maroles Coenen did her best Anderson Silva impression to late replacement Liz Carmouche's Chael Sonnen. After a competitive opening 5 minutes standing, Carmouche (who was replacing Miesa Tate, who injured her knee during training), took the Dutch product down and proceeded to dominate top position on her late in the second, never being able to put her away. The third round saw much of the same, with Carmouche holding her ground and Coenen trying her best "queen spider" attempt with her legs. About a minute into the 4th though, "The Golden Girl from Golden Glory" got her chance. Trapping Carmouche's arm from bottom position following another successful takedown by the American, Coenen secured a triangle choke forcing Carmouche to tap at 1:29 of round 4.
"I just wish I would have finished right away," Carmouche said after the bout. "I have room to improve, and I'm going to do that."
Coenen agreed with those overtones by saying Carmouche "will be a champion someday".
Next for Coenen : She wants a shot at Miesha Tate. I say give it to her. But not before she signs a contract stating her next training will take place in the cage. She was lost in there from underneath.
Next for Carmouche : Showed a lot of grit and determination despite being a late replacement. Perhaps a fight with the returning Gina Carano?
Honorable mention : Was it just me, or did anybody else notice that Mike Kyle looks a hell of a lot like "Panthro" from the old "Thundercats" cartoon? I mean, he's got the pointy ears and everything! I wondered where the "Thundertank" was while he was being interviewed.
So, 1 for 2 on my picks. brings me to a disappointing 9-10-1 on the year. But the big week is coming! I know it!
Get back to me, mmarmaggeddon@gmail.com
Until next time, Fight fans.
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