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| What kind of fireworks will fans see between Rua, left, and Henderson this Saturday at UFC 139 in San Jose? |
There have been few main events in recent MMA history that has
placed two legendary fighters who have dominated in multiple promotions, won
countless titles/awards and have headlined countless events against one
another.
UFC 139 is headlined by such a main event. It pits the MMA’s
“Captain America” Dan “Hendo” Henderson versus the Brazilian powerhouse
Mauricio “Shogun” Rua.
Former PRIDE middleweight and welterweight champion, former
UFC middleweight tournament winner and former Strikeforce light heavyweight
champion Hendo makes his return to the UFC and takes on former PRIDE
middleweight Grand Prix champion and UFC light heavyweight champion Shogun.
With the credentials these two fighters have, it astonishes
fans and media alike that it has taken this long for these two to match-up. Both
are coming off of impressive victories and riding strong performances into this
fight.
As the pride of Temecula, Ca., Hendo is riding a three-fight
win streak that has seen him end the Strikeforce career of Fedor Emelianenko in
a heavyweight bout. That bout was preceded by wins over Renato Sobral and Rafael
Cavalcente to win and retain the Strikeforce light heavyweight title. His last
victory in the UFC was vicious KO victory over Michael Bisping in a
middleweight brawl in July of 2009.
Prior to a KO victory over Forrest Griffin, Shogun had split
his previous four fights. All of which centered on the UFC light heavyweight
title. A win here could possibly put Rua back into title talk, which can also
be said for Hendo.
Current champ, Jon Jones, is slated to face Lyoto Machida
December 10, 2011 and Rashad Evans is slated to get the winner of that bout.
However, with an impressive enough performance by either fighter in a win, Dana
White could change his mind.
This is a match-up of two distinct styles. Shogun is a
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Black belt with a dangerous Muay Thai attack. Henderson is
a world class Olympic wrestler and is well versed in boxing. Either man can
take this fight to the mat, but just as proficient in a stand-up attack. It is
these styles that have led to impressive careers.
Rua and Henderson have a combined 48 wins (28 Hendo, 20
Shogun), 30 of which that have come the way of knockouts (13 Hendo, 17 Shogun).
All of which promises fans a memorable main event. Chances of a knockout are
high in this fight and, although scheduled for five rounds, it is highly
probable that this will not go the distance.
Follow me on Twitter at @NiteshDutt.
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