MMA Combat - Fedor Looks Ahead to Henderson, Adjusts Training

MMA Combat - Fedor Looks Ahead to Henderson, Adjusts Training

Stoic MMA legend Fedor Emelianenko (31-3-0) has accomplished many great feats in his eleven year professional career; the former PRIDE heavyweight champion reigned over the division and maintained his number one ranking for nearly a decade atop the biggest men in the sport. At 34 years of age, Emelianenko contemplated retirement in February of this year after suffering his second consecutive defeat inside the Strikeforce cage when the ringside physician called a stop to the action against mammoth Brazilian, Antonio "Big Foot" Silva in the quarterfinals of the Strikeforce Heavyweight Grand Prix. The news sent shock-waves through the mixed martial arts world, as the man once thought by some to be unbeatable was humbled once more and faced a gut check unlike any "The Last Emperor" had been forced to go through before.

Upon his return to Russia, Emelianenko consulted those entrusted with his career to determine what the next step would be. After the dust settled, reports were that the words spoken on February 12, were said in haste and Fedor would return stateside once more in a superfight against fellow legend and current Strikeforce light heavyweight champion, Dan Henderson.

When recently speaking via the SB Nation, "The Last Emperor" had the following to say regarding the current situation he finds himself in:

"I discussed the situation with my coaches and spiritual father when I got home. After this I was absolutely sure that it is not the time for retirement and I must continue to fight. Now I’m training and preparing for the next battle with Dan Henderson."

"I’ve drawn conclusions on what areas of my training need work and what to pay attention to in training and in battle. This time I have trained in Holland, in Russia and again at the training camp in Holland. I work with people who are the best in their disciplines and are focused on preparing me for the battle with Dan Henderson… Training for a fight is never easy regardless of the opponent. I train and prepare for every contest the same so I can compete to the best of my abilities."

Strikeforce - Fedor vs. Henderson is scheduled for July 30, 2011, at the Sears Centre in Hoffman Estates, Illinois. Also featured on the card will be Strikeforce 135lbs women's champion Marloes Coenen who will defend her title against Miesha Tate; as well, former 205lbs champions Rafael Cavalcante and Muhammed Lawal will square off with Ovince St. Preux and ADCC world champion Roger Gracie respectively.

The fight card as it currently stands can be found below:

Matchups:
Dan Henderson vs. Fedor Emelianenko

Strikeforce Womens Welterweight Championship
Marloes Coenen vs. Miesha Tate

Rafael Cavalcante vs. Ovince St. Preux
Muhammed Lawal vs. Roger Gracie
Paul Daley vs. Evangelista Santos
Tarec Saffiedine vs. Scott Smith


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