Dan Henderson

w0264007 · 08-28-2006, 04:35 PM

It seems to me that Henderson was not performing at his peak Saturday night. His punches weren't very technical, and, for an olympian wrestler, his ground work was non-existent. Was he looking to knock Misaki out and just couldn't connect? Or do you think he underestimated his opponent? Everyone was saying what a great fight it was. I thought it was close, but neither did enough to win, imo. I think he was right though, Misaki scored more hits and looked better than he did, that's why they gave it to him.

w0264007 · 08-28-2006, 04:52 PM

I meant no disrespect. He just didn't look like himself, that's all.

lwbfl · 08-28-2006, 05:51 PM

I agree.

w0264007 · 08-28-2006, 08:22 PM

Hmm...What do you think of a Franklin/Henderson match up?

Last week I would have said it would be real close, but after last nights performance, I have my doubts. Henderson wasn't throwing many jabs, and his right didn't connect as much as Misaki's leg kicks, which won the fight for him. I see Henderson thriving much more in the octagon, where he can pin an opponent against the cage (standing) and work them with elbows and "dirty boxing" from the clinch, that in a ring. I on the other hand, it was Misaki who put Henderson in the corner in round 1...Maybe Dan was sick or something...

I think it would be a compelling match if both men were at their peak. Both like to box, Dan is orthodox, while Rich is a southpaw. Henderson is an olympic class wrestler, while Franklin is a Brown belt in BJJ and a second-string High School football player. Franklin has been dropped by a bomb to his chin more than once, but quickly regains his composure (except against Machida), while Henderson has yet to be knocked out. both men have excellent cardio, but it looked like Henderson was gassed a little last night.

Any thoughts?

w0264007 · 08-28-2006, 08:23 PM

Unlike some sports, nothing in combat sports is certain. If you make it out undefeated, you're either fighting the wrong people, or you are Rocky Marciano. I think once you get into the top 5-10 in any weight division in Boxing, wrestling, or MMA, anyone has a chance to upset anyone. I am talking about what I think would be a close and exciting match up between two very complimentary fighters, not a who-do-you-think-would-win? I think Henderson has lost to the bigger names, and I give him lots of respect. I was surprised to see Franklin top the 185 catagory charts on MMAweekly, but after Saturday night, I think they're right. Misaki didn't hurt Henderson, but Henderson didn't hurt him either. I think Franklin would have. My opinion may change, depending how Silva/Franklin goes.

By the way: this fight will NEVER happen because fighting orgs (like PRIDE and UFC) are businesses promoting their fighters, not a worldwide unified association. What MMA needs is a Superbowl between UFC and PRIDE FC, Like an annual GP between top contenders in BOTH orgs. Using a unified system of rules. It will not be happening anytime soon, but it would be nice.

w0264007 · 08-28-2006, 08:27 PM

Is there another source for fighter rankings besides MMA Weekly? They are slightly focused on American fighters, and I was curious if that was universal, or if someone else has an unbiased rankings that could be considered more official. Until the Pride / UFC merger (when the damn Japanese take over), all we have to go on is the official rankings, and we'll never have an undisputed world champion.