Fedor Emelianenko and Dan Henderson Strikeforce

Dan "Hendo" Henderson

Watching Hendo (Dan Henderson) finish Fedor Emilianenko in Strikeforce reminded me of this of this simple yet easily forgotten maxim.  Play to Your STRENGTH and Away from your opponents.

Anyone who’s seen Hendo fight knows that he has a Hulk size heart and Lead in his Right hand.  So it’s safe to say that Hendo is a deadly standup fighter.  Fedor of course has legendary standup with sledge hammers for hands. Given enough time Fedor can figure out and defeat his non monster opponents standup game (save Big Foot).

Hendo Played Away from Fedor strength

So Hendo played the ultimate tactical game and DID NOT allow Fedor to SET and Put his (Fedor) Striking Genius to work. When I say “SET” I mean set his feet and find his (Fedor) perfect striking range!  Hendo charged in closing and opening the distances quickly, erratically, but most of all UNpredictably!  This took Fedor just out of his (perfect) game and brought the scales a lil’ more into balance. Even still Fedor was tagging Hendo and appeared to deliver the finishing blow. Hendo went down and Fedor jumped on top.

Hendo delivers the fatal upercut

NOW Fedor was more into Hendo’s world, on the ground, where wrestling is king.  Although possibly stunned Hendo drew upon his HUGE Heart, wrestling Instinct, and talent to reverse the position. Fedor on all fours was caught by surprise and Hendo touched him on the chin.  It Was Over… Hendo wins by TKO (maybe KO IDK)!

This fight made me reflect on my own grappling or Brazilian Jiu-jitsu game plan. I can sometimes become so preoccupied with exerting my own strengths upon my opponent I forget about his weaknesses.  This is most apparent to me when my coach exposes my weaknesses.  On most days my arm bar defense is pretty good. I can tie up my arms long enough for me to escape the position. My coach, however, doesn’t even fight me… If he was going for an arm bar on my right arm he simply switches sides and attacks my unprotected left arm… And there is very little I can do to stop him.

So think about who you’re up against and what their strengths are.   So next time you’re opponent is giving your best attacks fits… Think of Hendo… Think of your opponents weaknesses, and exploit them!

Here’s the fight in case you missed it!