Hate to pump another forums tires but its a cool artical.
Vale Tudo Relics: The MMA Debut of Dan Henderson
"As he approaches his 45th birthday, Dan Henderson is firmly entrenched as one of MMA’s most beloved figures. During a historic career that spans nearly 18 years, the two-time Olympic wrestler has defeated some of the sport’s greatest competitors, from Fedor Emelianenko and Vitor Belfort to Wanderlei Silva and Mauricio Rua.
I had the honor of covering Henderson’s professional mixed martial arts debut at the Brazil Open ’97 on June 15, 1997 in Sao Paulo, Brazil.
Though he had no vale tudo experience, Henderson accepted an invitation from manager Rico Chiaparelli to represent the Real American Wrestling team in a lightweight tournament for which entrants could weigh in as high as 176 pounds. He had to win two fights on the same day to take the tournament.
Placed in the most difficult side of the bracket, Henderson first faced the favored Crezio de Souza, one of the most experienced and technical fighters from the Carlson Gracie Jiu-Jitsu team. The other semifinal pitted International Vale Tudo Championship titleholder Jose Landi-Jons againstHammer House representative Eric Smith. The crowd was not familiar with Henderson or Smith, so most expected an all-Brazilian final in the light heavyweight draw; Kevin Randleman and Tom Erikson were the favorites to meet in the heavyweight final....."
Vale Tudo Relics: The MMA Debut of Dan Henderson
"As he approaches his 45th birthday, Dan Henderson is firmly entrenched as one of MMA’s most beloved figures. During a historic career that spans nearly 18 years, the two-time Olympic wrestler has defeated some of the sport’s greatest competitors, from Fedor Emelianenko and Vitor Belfort to Wanderlei Silva and Mauricio Rua.
I had the honor of covering Henderson’s professional mixed martial arts debut at the Brazil Open ’97 on June 15, 1997 in Sao Paulo, Brazil.
Though he had no vale tudo experience, Henderson accepted an invitation from manager Rico Chiaparelli to represent the Real American Wrestling team in a lightweight tournament for which entrants could weigh in as high as 176 pounds. He had to win two fights on the same day to take the tournament.
Placed in the most difficult side of the bracket, Henderson first faced the favored Crezio de Souza, one of the most experienced and technical fighters from the Carlson Gracie Jiu-Jitsu team. The other semifinal pitted International Vale Tudo Championship titleholder Jose Landi-Jons againstHammer House representative Eric Smith. The crowd was not familiar with Henderson or Smith, so most expected an all-Brazilian final in the light heavyweight draw; Kevin Randleman and Tom Erikson were the favorites to meet in the heavyweight final....."
