Feijao: "Its an Honor"

STRIKEFORCE Light Heavyweight Champion Rafael “Feijao” Cavalcante is, simply put, a walking wrecking ball. The brutal striking power he displays in his bouts is such that he doesn’t even have to catch his opponent flush to put him down.

This Saturday, he’ll face a fighter with the same type of power in MMA legendDan Henderson. Live on SHOWTIME®, both champion and challenger will look to lay it all on the line for those watching at home and those in attendance at the Nationwide Arena in Columbus, Ohio.

I spoke with “Feijao” to get his thoughts on his preparation for the bout, and the fight itself.

Johnny Preston: You haven’t fought since you won the title in August. What have you been working on in your training?

“Feijao” Cavalcante:  I was in Brazil helping my teammates prepare for their fights, and also working on my training. We have a lot of great guys helping us in all aspects of the game, so I feel confident overall.

JP: What does it mean to you to face a bona fide legend like Dan Henderson?

FC: It’s an honor, he is a legend in our sport, and he has fought many tough guys in his career, including my teammates Anderson Silva, Rogerio Nogueira, and Rodrigo Nogueira twice.  I think it’s a great fight for my first title defense, and a great fight for the fans.

JP: Your strong suit is your striking. Dan is known for his clinch work and Greco-Roman wrestling, though he possesses a lot of power. Does this alter your approach to the fight at all?

FC:  I have trained with and fought some great wrestlers, including my last fight against “King Mo.” I like to keep fights standing to use my striking, but my base is jiu-jitsu, so if the fight does end up in the ground I am very comfortable [there], as well.

JP: So far, your only career submission victory came via strikes. Is it a goal of yours to get a jiu-jitsu finish at some point, or is that not a concern to you?

FC: I am not thinking about that. I am focused on getting in the cage and getting to work to get another victory.

JP: As the champion, how do you feel about the STRIKEFORCE light heavyweight division?

FC: The light heavyweight division is always a tough division. You have guys who are very strong and agile, so you always have to be at your best.

JP: Your last loss was to Mike Kyle. He’s someone who’s been rumored to be in the title mix. Is that a fight you specifically want?

FC: I am not looking past my upcoming title defense yet, but I will be ready to fight whoever STRIKEFORCE decides.

JP: Do you have a message for Dan Henderson? How about the fans that will see you defend your belt on March 5^th?

FC: I think this will be a great fight for the fans. It will be my first title defense against a veteran like Dan Henderson.  Don’t miss it!!