Hendo to Strikeforce shouldn’t shock anyone!

No matter where you work, you have that guy who always gets stuck with the dirty jobs.  He either always takes out the trash, cleans the toilets, or shreds the paper.  The one that everyone knows is important (more so because they are doing something so you don’t have to), and at the same time they typically don’t get the recognition and reward they deserve.  Let me introduce you to Dan Henderson…Pride champ, great wrestler, and if the cards fall correctly, future Strikeforce poster boy.

Once upon a time a fighter by the name of Dan Henderson shocked the world (or at least the Japanese version) by dropping superstar Wanderlei Silva.  Some argue that this fight never should have happened (like me), but from that day forward Hendo was known as the first to wear two title belts from Pride.  That would be his last fight in the now rebunked org, but since his boat ride across the ocean he been more of a bastard child than MMA legend.

Hendo had a rough transition to the UFC.  After all he fought two of their best fighters right up front.  They didn’t give him any break in period, warm up fight, or chance to get used to the cage.  Instead they said hey lets unify that title, you get Rampage (who did get a warm up fight).  After a very good fight (and loss), Hendo then drew the best fighter in the world in Anderson Silva.  By the way, Hendo is the only man in UFC history to have won a round against Silva (although he still lost).

That loss was key to the current decision.  In a way the UFC seems to be coddling their current superstar.  Many think that Hendo possesses the tools to truly challenge Silva, but the UFC seems content to keep skipping him for a title shot.

That loss to Silva was the last one that Hendo has on his illustrious record.  In September of 08, Hendo took on up and comer Rousimar Palhares.  It wasn’t an exciting fight but Hendo won the fight in dominating fashion.  He then got the chance to prove his worth against Rich Franklin.  Franklin is arguably the second best 185′er in the world.  Hendo beat him by split decision.

This is where things get tricky.  The UFC talked about giving Hendo at shot if he defeated Ace…He did, but no shot ever happened.

Instead they decided that he would fight Michael Bisping to determine the true number one contender.  If The Count won he would be guaranteed a shot at Silva.  Everyone assumed that if Hendo win, so would he.

Hendo was not only the benefactor of Bispings Island, but also one of the most devastating KOs of the year!

While it was a nasty KO, it didn’t do enough.  Hendo should have got the title fight.  Instead, the UFC brought in Vitor Belfort.  He destroyed Ace and jumped Hendo for the title shot.  Again, Hendo was left out in the cold without a jacket.

Now people are questioning why Hendo is weighing his options.  How could he possibly leave the UFC?  He has been promised shot after shot, only to become the title gatekeeper.

The UFC is the biggest stage, but the Strikeforce crew offers a very new opportunity for Hendo.  I am for the move.  He will get more money and a true shot at the title (either he wants).  Their 205 pound division is slowly getting to be more interesting than the UFC’s!

Hendo!  The UFC is no longer the end-all be-all for fighters!  Strikeforce is doing big things and would not be a bad decision.  You are an American hero in the sport and it is time for you to get yours and fight for another title!