And the new Strikeforce Light Heavyweight Champion...

Maybe the Strikeforce Light Heavyweight Championship isn't meant to have a defending champion, for the 4th time in a row, the belt was on teh line, and changed hands, this time to Dan Henderson. Bobby Southworth was the first of this streak to lose the belt losing to Renato "Babalu" Sobral, who in turn lost it to Gegard "The Dream Catcher" Mousassi, who coughed it up to "King" Mo Lawal, who himself turned it over to Rafael "Feijao" Cavalcante, the man Hendo beat to become the latest Light Heavyweight Champion. Henderson improved his record to 27-8, but wasn't focused on the title only the match, “Leading up to this fight there was a lot of talk about fighting for the title but I didn’t give it much thought, But now that I have it, it is really nice."

The fight was an exciting bout that showcased each man's talents. Both are dangerous strikers, and that became immediately evident after an early barrage by Hendo was answered with a big right hand that dropped Henderson. Hendo looked rocked, but somehow managed to grab one of Feijao's legs for a take down, and got the superior position. In the second, Hendo showed his wrestling skills taking down Cavalcante several times, while Feijao did reverse one to get mount position. In the third round, Hendo went head hunting, loaded up with a big over hand right that caught Cavalcante on the chin, spinning him face first to the mat. Hendo followed on top of him, and while on his back, delivered 3 or 4 more quick blows until the match was stopped. Hendo has now won 5 of his last 6 fights, losing only his debut to Jake Shields in a fight where Hendo looked to have cut too much weight right before the match. At 205 pounds, he looks more natural, healthier, and more powerful.

The recently crowned 40 year old champion will likely face the winner of the Mike Kyle vs Gegard Mousasi match or could possibly face the other former champion, King Mo Lawal. Mike Kyle nearly defeated Antoni Big Foot Silva in his last fight at heavyweight, and both Mousasi and King Mo are former champions, so any of these guys will make for a good fight with Henderson.

In other fights, Tim Kennedy defeated Melvin Manhoef by rear naked choke in the 1st round of their fight. Kennedy is a legit middleweight contender, and while Manhoef used to be, he showed again that while he has superior striking skills, he is too out matched on the ground in this era of well rounded fighters. Kennedy could be in title contention soon while Manhoef's MMA days may be over as he focuses strictly on kick boxing.