Rafael “Feijao” Cavalcante’s manager Ed Soares was able to confirm that his charge will defend his Strikeforce light heavyweight title against Dan Henderson. The bout will take place at Strikeforce’s March 5 card in Columbus, Ohio.
Soares confirmed this previously rumored bout while making a Tuesday appearance on MMAWeekly Radio.
Cavalcante won the title last August. He defeated then-champion Muhammed “King Mo” Lawal by third-round technical knockout. Prior to that win, he had won back-to-back fights under the Strikeforce banner over Aaron Rosa and Antwain Britt. Before fighting for Strikerforce, Cavalcante competed for both the IFL and Elite XC.
After dropping back-to-back title fights in the UFC, Henderson was able to work his way back into title contention with three-straight wins. He defeated Rousimar Palhares, Rich Franklin and Michael Bisping to finish out his contract. Henderson decided to sign a new contract with Strikeforce.
In his promotional debut, he fought Jake Shields for the middleweight title but came up short after five rounds. He returned and picked up a first-round knockout of Renato “Babalu” Sobral to earned number-one contender status.
The March 5 card is also expected to host a women’s 135-pound title fight. Champion Marloes Coenen will defend her title against Strikeforce tournament winner Miesha Tate.