Well, if at first you don't succeed.
After beating down Renato "Babalu" Sobral, former middleweight title contender Dan Henderson is (potentially) getting another crack at a Strikeforce belt at the promotion's March 5 event in Ohio when he takes on Light Heavyweight Champion Rafael "Feijao" Cavalcante.
MMAFighting.com broke the news of the possible match-up last night.
When Henderson signed with Strikeforce he was given a colossal promotional push and immediately put into a middleweight title fight against lame duck champion Jake Shields.
The San Jose boys strapped their booster on "Hendo's" back and expected blast off pronto. Unfortunately, instead of a missile they were given a bottle rocket. Early fireworks faded quickly and Shields dominated four of five rounds en route to retaining his title before bolting for the UFC's greener pastures.
Instead of sticking around at 185-pounds, "Dangerous Dan" moved on up to light heavyweight for a rematch against the previously mentioned Sobral; winner gets a title shot.
The torpedoes expected in the Shields fight were suddenly full systems go and Henderson blasted his way to a first round knockout win. Up next is his chance to prove his best days aren't behind him.
A member of Team Black House, "Feijao" Cavalcante is a vicious Muay Thai specialist who's had zero use for judges in his relatively short career. Nine of his 10 wins have come via knockout. The other? A submission due to strikes.
Make no mistake, the Brazilian is a beast.
Currently riding a three fight winning streak, Rafael won the title after providing the lone blemish on Muhammad Lawal's otherwise perfect record. Critics thought Cavalcante would struggle with "King Mo's" NCAA Division I level wrestling.
No one bothered to deliver the memo.
A third round KO earned "Feijao" the 205-pound strap and a date with another top level grappler, albeit one with a deadly right hand that is locked and loaded at all times.
Ready for more fireworks?
Strikeforce is planning to run an event on March 5 at the Nationwide Arena in Columbus, Ohio with Henderson vs. Cavalcante for the light heavyweight title the presumed headliner.
Stay tuned to MMAMania.com for any updates as they become available.
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