The San Jose-based mixed martial arts promotion, Strikeforce is coming at us all with some fantastic mixed martial arts action on Saturday with Strikeforce: Feijao vs. Henderson, also known as Strikeforce: Columbus. We're following the promotion with interest here on SB Nation Bay Area due to its frequent shows at the HP Pavilion and on Saturday we'll eagerly await the results of five fights in particular, fights in which California will be represented.
In main event action, former PRIDE and UFC champion Dan "Hendo" Henderson (26-8) will challenge Rafael "Feijao" Cavalcante (10-2) for the promotions Light Heavyweight Championship. Henderson was born in Downey, California and fights out of Temecula. Henderson's Team Quest gym and fight team is based in Murrieta, California. He earned the title shot by knocking out Renato Sobral in just 1:53 of the first round back at Strikeforce: Henderson vs. Babalu 2
"Feijao" won the title with a TKO victory over Muhammed "King Mo" Lawal at Strikeforce: Houston in August and will be defending it for the first time against Henderson.
Another California tie lies with Liz Carmouche, who will be challenging Marloes Coenen for the Women's Welterweight Championship in the co-main event. Carmouch was born in Okinawa, Japan but currently lives and trains in San Diego, California. She's stepping in as a late replacement for number one contender Miesha Tate, and not many are giving her a chance to win on such short notice. She's got a great skillset, but it will literally define the word "upset," if she walks out of Nationwide Arena with a title.
The main card will be opened up with Billy Evangelista taking on Jorge Masvidal. Evangelista was born in Parlier, California and now fights right out of Fresno, California. He's also the underdog in his fight against the rabid Masvidal. Following that, Tim Kennedy takes on dutch strike Melvin Manhoef, and he's the heavy favorite. He currently fights out of Austin, Texas but his birthplace is San Luis Obispo, California - a hotbed of MMA activity of late.
Beyond that, the undercard features one California fighter, Josh Thornburg who trains, lives and fights out of Lodi, California with the Cesar Gracie team. He'll be taking on Roger Bowling as the last fight on the preliminaries. Follow this stream throughout the night and tomorrow for previews and recaps of the fights to see how well California does in its five fight representation.