The power within each hand of Paul Daley (left) warrants caution for any fighter standing against him. Daley's overall wrestling and Jiu-Jitsu credential comes significantly short compared to his next opponent, Tyron Woodley, but he makes the loss up significantly in knockout power. (Photo courtesy of Zuffa, LLC.)
Chicago, Illinois’ Sears Center plays host to one of the year’s most spectacular cards when Strikeforce and M-1 Global come together to present Strikeforce: Fedor vs. Henderson. “Hands of Steel” Scott Smith (16-8) takes on “Sponge” Tarec Saffiedine (10-2) in a welterweight battle. Two crowd favorites collide when US Army veteran Tim Kennedy (14-3) is granted his wish to fight knockout artist “Ruthless” Robbie Lawler (18-7). The ladies grace the Windy City when “Takedown” Miesha Tate (11-2) challenges Marloes Coenen (17-4) for the female 135lbs. welterweight title. In the main event, “The Last Emperor” Fedor Emelianenko (31-3) meets Strikeforce Light Heavyweight Champion “Dangerous” Dan Henderson (27-8) in a catchweight battle that fulfills a long-time PRIDE FC fantasy. In the middle of all this action, former Strikeforce welterweight contender “Semtex” Paul Daley (24-11-2) hopes to let his hands bring him back to title contention when he fights up-and-coming prospect “T-Wood” Tyron Woodley (10-0). Daley’s hands are a weapon in itself but the unforgiving wrestling of Woodley leaves many smothered before tapping out. Now with former welterweight champion “El Diablo” Nick Diaz (24-8) vacating the title challenge reigning 170lbs. king “Rush” Georges St. Pierre (22-2) under the UFC banner, a win for either fighter would pull them closer to a shot at the belt. Continue reading »
