The Tale of Two Clinches

Dan Henderson (Pictures) must be confident enough with his striking to mix it up a bit, but he must not be overconfident with his chin to where he stands up too long with Anderson Silva. He has to use his striking to close the distance and get into a clinch to take Silva down. For example, Henderson must use his powerful right hand to make Silva cover up and thus attain the clinch. Once in the clinch, Henderson must use his Greco experience to fight off Silva's devastating Thai techniques.

Another way that Henderson can take Silva down is by catching a kick and then following it up with a straight right hand or a single-leg takedown. Either way Silva should end up on the canvas.

Henderson could also use the fence and Octagon positioning to help control the fleet-footed Silva. Pinning Silva's back to the fence will help neutralize his striking and anchor him down so that Henderson can get his hands on him and eventually get him to the ground.

On top, Henderson must use his superior ground control to posture his body in Silva's guard, punch him and pass the guard to a more advantageous position, such as the mount or side-mount. Posturing his head up and smashing Silva against the cage would be a good strategy to create distance for striking while at the same time keeping the Brazilian from getting back to his feet.

For Silva, footwork will win him the fight. He has to use his quickness and footwork to stay off the fence. Even though he has a great clinch, it might not be a great idea to allow Henderson to put his back to the cage. He is also going to have to use the Thai clinch to get off the fence and to control Henderson. Silva must make space with his clinch and use those brutal knees to try to knock out Henderson.

If Silva gets put up against the fence, he will have to use the Thai clinch to escape and keep his hips away from Henderson's hips. He will need to move and pick Henderson apart from the outside and not overcommit with his striking. As the fight wears on, Silva should start putting more and more combinations together.

On the ground, Silva will have to use his great defensive guard to neutralize Henderson's ground-and-pound and keep him in his guard. He can't let Henderson pass and start to position on him because it will put the Brazilian in danger of being submitted. More importantly, it will keep the fight on the ground. The longer Silva can keep Henderson in his guard, the more likely the referee will be to stand the fighters, and that is where Silva will have the advantage.

My pick is Henderson by a unanimous decision. I feel that he has too many ways to win the fight. He has very good submission defense, a good gas tank and is competent enough on his feet to get takedowns consistently.