Renzo v. Dan Henderson

[Mr. Miyagi]

I don't see Renzo being able to do anything to Henderson that Newton couldn't. And Henderson has improved his awareness of subs since then. And Henderson will play it safe and win a boring judges decision. Ban Henderson and people like him from MMA. At least Renzo will be trying to finish the fight.

[Domingo]

Henderson will win because...

People say that Dan can't finish people - but lets be honest, Renzo isn't exactly a finishing machine either. I've read claims of him being better at submissions than Goes or Newton, but short of Maurice Smith and that guy in KOK rd. 1 (with no prior fighting experience), who has Renzo finished lately? Not Tamura, Tadeau, Shoji, or Sakuraba. Those are his last fights against big names. In each of those fights, he really didn't accomplish much of anything close to a finish.
I see Henderson more or less boxing Renzo for several rounds. If Dan is content to bang with strikers and do okay, he'll be fine. I don't think Renzo will be able to take him down without pulling him into guard. From there - who's even gotten Dan in trouble? Nobody.
Henderson wins this one by either decision, or maybe even a stoppage if he can score a cut. Renzo's only viable chance IMO is to cut Henderson, or via something wild like a flying armbar.

[Americana]

It seems like Renzo has come to the conclusion that there's no percentage in fighting obscure Japanese fighters. If he wins, its expected and brings no glory because the opponent is a nobody. If he loses (Oh My God, if he LOSES), its over. Renzo's washed up.

He might as well fight the best, come what may. It's a real gutsy attitude. After years of Gracie b.s. (could Chickson beat Jesus Christ or Superman; Takada; "no aura"; Sakuraba tapped out; Royler didn't tap out; Royce would kick Wallid's ass in NHB; etc, etc) it refreshing and admirable. Win or lose, you've got to hand it to Renzo.

Renzo also may be realizing that he's a senior citizen in nhb years. There are a few exceptions, but generally this is strictly a young man's game.

Good luck Renzo!

[Maui Jim]

Coke head, where'd you get that?

[Mako]

Huh? Cokehead?

Seriously, don't come on here and throw something like that out unless you are able (and willing) to back it up.

To defame the character of a well known sports figure with something that serious is pretty weak if you ask me.

[Hawk]

I've always felt Henderson was beaten by both Goes & Newton. Although behind on points Goes knocked Henderson cockeyed and had the rear naked sunk when he was pulled off for kicking Henderson on the ground. Besides being a stupid rule, the kick had very little or no effect.
Newton just beat him. Renzo should win.
Hawk

[pharochuck]

deez

henederson is tough and a very good wrestler. i'm pulling for renzo. renzo has shown to be a very good all around fighter and should have the edge

[CaD]

When and where is the fight going to be held?

[DIRE WOLF]

Next Pride in Japan at the end of March. Check out www.Pridefc.com for more details.

[dan downard]

Hawk,I was told that Dan was so dizzy from the kick that he asked if he could stop and the ref,not knowing the rules ,said he would lose if he quit.He went on only because he was misinformed.

[Pit Dog]

Dude, get real.

Goes spanked Henderson, who has no chin, no subs, and does what all boring wrestlers do ... fail to finish (or even know how to finish).

Renzo will win, top or bottom.

[keithws]

Henderson will win!!!!!

Henderson will win and he will punish Renzo in route to a decision. He's a better striker and a better wrestler so you can count on a stand up fight.

People are accurate in saying that Henderson's not a finisher, but he's one of the few middles in the world that could have taken the KOK tourney last yr. Yes, Minotauro was a bad decision, but Henderson won 5 other matches with no controversy.

And, Domingo is absolutely correct about Renzo's finishing ability. When it comes to good fighters, he like Henderson doesn't finish! Secondly, henderson has never been in danger on the ground while fighting Newton, Goes, Minotauro, etc.

I like Renzo's character and no fear attitude, but he won't win.

later dudes.......

[Ronin]

I agree that Henderson looked bad in the UFC, but he has improved a lot since then.

He can keep this fight standing and punish Renzo.

Henderson by decision.

[sakattack]

Add my name to keithws and Ronin's opinions. Henderson by boring decision. Renzo will be on his back much of the fight.

[tuffguy]

Renzo doesn't select who he fights. He fights who ever the promoters want him to fight. Hasn't fought anyone except Sak? Maurice Smith isn't a top fighter? Tamura isn't a top fighter? Sanae Kikuta isn't a top fighter?(Beat the hell out of Eugene Jackson and ranked #1 contender in Pancrase) Shoji isn't a top fighter?(Beat Wallid Ismail, Mezger & Ebenezer Braga) He also beat Otsuka & Taktarov, who both beat beat Ruas. He fights guys that out weigh him consistently, heavyweights, middleweights etc... despite the fact that he only weighs 175 lbs(He has put on some weight for this fight, he's about 185 right now). I don't know what you have to do to please some people.