Rafael “Feijao” Cavalcante Defends His Belt Against Dan Henderson at Strikeforce: Ohio

Rafael “Feijao” Cavalcante has his first title defense lined up and it’s against none other than Dan Henderson at the upcoming Strikeforce show set for March 5 in Columbus, Ohio.

The bout between Feijao and Henderson has been rumored for some time, but the champion’s manager Ed Soares confirmed the fight when speaking with MMAWeekly Radio on Tuesday.

“That’s the fight that we’re training for,” Soares commented. “It should be a good fight. Feijao and Dan Henderson, that’s gonna be a great bout.”

Cavalcante won the belt back in August when he TKO’d former champion Muhammed “King Mo” Lawal. Since that time the Brazilian has been waiting for the promotion to sort out the division and find a new top contender.

Dan Henderson earned the shot by putting away Renato “Babalu” Sobral in devastating fashion with a first round knockout when the pair met in early December 2010.

The fight between Cavalcante and Henderson has been on the radar for some time now, but sources indicated to MMAWeekly.com as recently as a week ago that a few contract details had to be sorted out. It appears everything is now a go.

Cavalcante, who trains with current UFC middleweight champion Anderson Silva as well as several other top fighters, hit the mainstream with his performance over Lawal, but his manager believes beating a fighter the caliber of Dan Henderson will definitely take him to a whole new level.

“A win over a guy like Dan Henderson, that’s good for anybody’s career,” said Soares. “The guy has a spot in the who’s who of the sport and he’s fought against the best, and he has an incredible record. His losses, I don’t think he has any losses to anyone who haven’t been champion. I think it’s going to be a super exciting fight.”

Strikeforce has yet to officially announce the event, but it’s expected to take place on March 5 at the Nationwide Arena in Columbus, OH. Several other fights have been rumored for the card including the possible participation of Strikeforce lightweight champion Gilbert Melendez as well as knockout artist Paul Daley.

The bout between Feijao and Henderson is expected to be the main event for the show.

Source: mmaweekly.com

Vitor Belfort Dreams Of Fighting On The UFC Rio Card in August

The UFC’s return to Brazil later this year will undoubtedly have a host of fighters on the promotion’s roster hoping to compete in their home land in August. One fighter who was fortunate enough to be a part of the first UFC Brazil event also wants to go back.

Vitor Belfort, who is currently training in Las Vegas for his Feb. 5 showdown with fellow countryman Anderson Silva, made quite an impression during the UFC Brazil show back in 1998.

Belfort blasted through Wanderlei Silva, scoring the knockout win in only 44 seconds. The Brazilian is hopeful to have a return performance of similar nature later this year.

“I think everybody wants to fight on that card. I’m dreaming to fight on that card. I hope I can be there,” Belfort said in an interview with MMAWeekly Radio.

The last trip the UFC made to Brazil was over a decade ago, but the country was excited back then and, according to Belfort, everyone is anticipating the return even more now.

“It was good, exciting, and this time I think it’s going to be more exciting,” Belfort commented.

Before even thinking about returning to fight in his home country, Belfort has to get past Anderson Silva at UFC 126. If he’s successful, however, he’d have no problem making his first middleweight title defense at UFC Rio.

“If this is what God foresees, I will see it,” Belfort said about being champion and fighting in Brazil. “I will receive that prophecy for sure.”

If he wants to have a better shot at fighting there, he will need to beat Silva in February, so that’s exactly what Belfort plans on doing.

“Now, it’s just time to conquer the dream.”

Source: mmaweekly.com