Strikeforce: Dan Henderson Likely to Defend Against Mousasi or Kyle, Not Fedor

Newly-crowned Strikeforce light heavyweight champion, Dan Henderson (27-8), will be making his first title defense against the winner of the fight between Gegard Mousasi (30-3-1) and Mike Kyle (18-8-1).

Lately, there have been rumors surrounding Henderson and who he would be making his first title defense against. One man whose name was tossed around was Fedor Emelianenko. Rumors have been swirling about Fedor making a drop to light heavyweight against Henderson.

But Strikeforce CEO, Scott Coker, confirmed to MMAWeekly.com that Fedor would not be Henderson's first title defense

“Gegard fighting Mike Kyle is going to be the front runner to the title fight against Dan Henderson,” Coker said. “I think that fight will happen some time in the fall.” 

The date and venue for Henderson's first title defense is still unknown. But it is likely it will be on one of the Strikeforce Heavyweight Grand Prix cards that take place in September and December.

Henderson won a TKO victory over Rafael "Feijao" Cavalcante to win the title, his first belt since winning the Pride Middleweight Championship. Henderson had lost his previous three title fights, two in the UFC and one recently to Jake Shields for the Strikeforce middleweight title.

Mousasi hasn't fought for the Strikeforce promotion since losing the Strikeforce light heavyweight belt to Muhammed "King Mo" Lawal. Mousasi has captured the Dream light heavyweight title after winning the Dream Grand Prix where he beat Jake O'Brien and Tatsuya Mizuno.

Kyle is coming off a heavyweight showdown with Antonio Silva, where he lost by a second-round knockout.

Kyle and Mousasi face each other at Strikeforce: Diaz vs. Daley on April 9th.