A lot of newer MMA fans completely missed out on PRIDE, an organisation resonsible for countless classic fights from 1997 until they were bought, and shut down, by Zuffa in 2007. For anyone who missed it, Pride was an entirely different beast. Soccer kicks and stomps to the heads of downed opponents were all good, as were super-human levels of performance enhancing drugs. When Zuffa took over Pride, a lot of the big named fighters ended up in the UFC and everyone lived happily ever after..
Well, until now, with the recent decision by the NSAC to ban TRT leaving a lot of the ex-Pride guys high and dry. Your body just can’t produce testosterone on it’s own the same way after years and years of steroid use. Not only that, but the guys from Pride are in the autumns of their careers either way, with some hanging in there better than others.
What does that have to do with Shogun and Dan Henderson?
- Their first classic fight at UFC 139 (See video below) didn’t happen in Pride, but these two fighters still made a huge impact in the Japanese promotion.
- Shogun has an impressive hitlist with wins over Alistair Overeem x2, Antonio Rogerio Nogueira, Rampage Jackson, Kevin Randleman, and several other tip-tier fighters during his time in Pride. Not to mention his impressive UFC wins over Mark Coleman, Chuck Liddell, Lyoto Machida, Forrest Griffin and more. Despite those big wins, Shogun has had a hit-or-miss UFC career winning just 6 of his 12 fights.
- Dan Henderson has also had a shaky path after his stint in Strikeforce which netted him a win over the legendary Fedor Emelianenko. His next fight was the first match against Shogun in 2011 where Hendo was victorious, but he hasn’t won a fight since then.
- This fight isn’t the end of Pride per se, Pride died years ago but this match represents a changing of the guards. Hate to say it, but these two fighters have both more than likely already put on their best performances, but it would be great to be proven wrong this Saturday. The 43 year old Henderson has said in the media recently that he’ll keep fighting without TRT, but he doesn’t owe the sport anything at this point and likely won’t be making another title run in the ultra-competitive Light Heavyweight division, but there are still some fun legacy matches to be had none the less.
UFC 339 – Hendo Vs Shogun – Battle of the Geriatrics
Hey, it could happen someday…
Do you think Hendo should hang up the gloves and move into a coaching or ambassador role for the sport, or will you hold back judgement until Saturday night?
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