Strikeforce Results: Fedor Emelianenko and Dan Henderson to Re-Sign?

After a hard-hitting main event for Strikeforce on Saturday, July 30, several questions surround the careers of Fedor Emelianenko and Dan Henderson.

Henderson, who of course won the fight via a controversial first-round TKO, is currently a free agent. 

His fight against a fellow former Pride star in Fedor was the last fight on both Strikeforce contracts for the decorated MMA veterans. 

In the post-fight press conference, Hendo said he would like to defend his Strikeforce light heavyweight title again, but he also stated that there is no guarantees with what happens next in his career.

Meanwhile, Fedor Emelianenko once again had to deal with questions about retirement following his third consecutive loss: the first legitimate knockout stoppage in his 11-year career.

“The Last Emperor” would not directly answer whether or not he was considering retirement, simply stating that it is “God’s will” that decides if he fights again or not.

Strikeforce CEO Scott Coker has made it clear that he would like to see both Fedor and Henderson fight for his organization again.

ESPN UK was kind enough to transcribe what Coker said to MMA Fighting:

"As far as fighting in Strikeforce, I hope we have them both (Fedor and Henderson) back,” Coker started off with. 

He then talked about how Fedor vs. Henderson was one of the top fights Strikeforce has ever hosted:

"If you look at that fight, I think it stands right up there. If you look back at the history of Strikeforce, which is relatively a newer company, I think the ones that stand out in my mind are, in our early days, Frank Shamrock fighting Cung Le—that was an unbelievable matchup. And Nick Diaz fighting Paul Daley this year—unbelievable fight.”

Coker continued by saying "And (on Saturday) I think this one probably tops those two. So, arguably one of the best fights in the history of our company."

With the recent losses of welterweight and heavyweight champions Nick Diaz and Alistair Overeem respectively, Strikeforce would really be falling on hard times if they were to lose two more of their most recognized fighters.

After three wins in a row, all by way of knockout, many fans and analysts alike see Henderson making his third run in the UFC at 40 years old. 

Fans and analysts have already speculated on Mauricio Rua, Forrest Griffin, Tito Ortiz, Rashad Evans and even current UFC light heavyweight champion Jon Jones for Henderson’s next opponent. 

On the other hand, retirement for Fedor seems more likely than another high-profile heavyweight bout for one of the most dominant fighters of all time.