Dan Henderson has had a long and storied career over the years in the world of mma with wins over ledges such as Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira, Wanderlei Sliva, Renzo Graice, and Vitor Belfort. The next chapter in the former Pride Middleweight champions career started on Dec 5Th, 2009, when he announced he was leaving the worlds biggest mma company in the UFC and announced his signing with Strikeforce, Henderson automatically became one of Strikeforces top contenders and most recognized names and this Saturday, April 17Th, Henderson makes his debut in the evenings main event for the Strikeforce Middleweight title against current title holder Jake Shields. Most consider Henderson the favorite going into the fight although Henderson may have more on his mind then just the Strikeforce Middleweight title. After signing with the company Henderson reportedly told Strikeforce CEO Scott Coker that he would like to face Strikeforce Middleweight Champion Jake Shields, Strikeforce Light-heavyweight champion Gegard Mousasi, and WAMMA heavyweight champion Fedor Emelianenko in his fight three fights with the company. So lets sit and think for a minute here if Henderson can do what most fans believe he will and defeat Jake Shields, could his next fight be against Mousasi? It would definitely be a very interesting bout Gegard Mousasi who also fights on Saturdays Strikeforce Nashville card, as he defends his Light-heavyweight belt against contender Muhammed "King Mo" Lawal in the evenings co-feature. Mousasi is considered one of the sports rising stars as he will enter the fight against Lawal with a 15 fight winning streak. If both Henderson, and Mousasi come out of Saturday with wins don't be surprised if they face each other in there next bout. And some fans can only dream of a potential bout with WAMMA heavyweight champion Fedor Emelianenko.
So back to reality and certainly Henderson isn't looking past Saturdays fight against Sheilds, for Sheilds is a top contender who enters the fight against Henderson as the Strikeforce Middleweight champion on a 13 fight winning streak and with a career record of 24-4 and 1 draw. But just thinking ahead to what can be a very interesting ride for the mma ledgen in his new home with Strikeforce.
