Fedor Emelianenko vs. Dan Henderson

The main event of Strikeforce: Fedor vs Henderson featured two legendary MMA fighters finally squaring off in Fedor Emelianenko and Dan Henderson. Emelianenko entered the contest on a two-fight losing streak that had many observers wondering if his incredible career would soon be coming to an end. Henderson, meanwhile, was still looking strong at 40 years old and entered the fight on a two-fight win streak, including one where he captured the Strikeforce light-heavyweight title. Henderson rose up in weight class to to heavyweight in order to take the fight, yet weighed in at only 207 pounds, demonstrating that he was clearly not a true heavyweight.

Emelianenko came out swinging hard and aggressively but was immediately caught by a left from Henderson that had him stunned and backtracking. Fedor stumbled defensively, clearly hurt yet still swinging, and Henderson barreled forward pressing "The Last Emperor" against the cage. Henderson delivered knees to the thighs against the cage, softening up Emelianenko over the next minute. Henderson swung and missed with a big right as they broke free from the clinch. Emelianenko looked to have recovered somewhat and again aggressively attacked throwing a right that landed. Fedor landed again, buckling Henderson and swarming on top looking for a dramatic finish as the audience roared with excitement. Henderson, cut open under his left eye but maintaining his wits, secured an arm around Fedor's leg, brilliantly reversed off of his back, and delivered a short uppercut from behind that the Russian never saw coming. Emelianenko dropped face-first to the mat, seemingly unconscious if just momentarily, and Henderson unloaded with two power punches as Fedor's head was pinned to the canvas. Referee Herb Dean sensed that Emelianko could no longer defend himself and called off the fight in a furious and wild finish. Emelianenko looked aware of his surroundings and seemingly wanted to continue, however had a difficult time getting back to his feet. The controversial yet likely fair and appropriate stoppage capped off an intense and memorable fight.

The bout ended officially at 4:12 of the first round, sending Emelianenko to his third straight defeat and giving Henderson one of the best moments of his career. Speaking to Gus Johnson in the post-fight interview, Henderson commented, "I've been a huge fan of Fedor's forever, I respect him so much as a fighter and what he's done for a sport... as a fan of Fedor's I hope he keeps fighting... At the end of the fight he landed a nice uppercut and I felt it sting, but then I landed a nice uppercut and he was on his knees."