NEW YORK - Strikeforce has signed Dan Henderson after the former Pride champion was unable to come to terms on a new contact with the UFC.
Strikeforce, which has a TV deal with CBS, said Monday it has signed a multi-fight agreement with the 39-year-old Henderson, last seen knocking Michael Bisping out at UFC 100 in July.
"Dan is one of the world's premiere fighters who has lived out an extraordinary career," Strikeforce CEO Scott Coker said in a statement. "We are looking forward to having him compete for us."
Henderson (25-7) gives Strikeforce another marquee name to go along with heavyweight Fedor Emelianenko. He also adds flexibility in that he can compete at middleweight (185 pounds) and light-heavyweight.
A former U.S. Olympic wrestler in 1992 and 1996, Henderson went on to become the only fighter on the Pride circuit in Japan to simultaneously hold titles in two different weight classes before rejoining the UFC.
He went 3-2 in his most recent stint in the Octagon, defeating Bisping, Rich Franklin and Rousimar Palhares and losing title bouts to Quinton (Rampage) Jackson and Anderson Silva.
He also served as coach of the American team on Season 9 of "The Ultimate Fighter."
