Can Henry Herculeez Fadipe Go All The Way To The Top

Noel Kinsella

I have seen Henry Herculeez Fadipe fight on several occasions and was VERY VERY impressed.
Is he Irelands brightest hope ?
Does he have the potential to reach the elite organisations like UFC ?
What should he work on IE: Strengths and Weaknesses ?
Opinions please.

cowzerp

People forget how young Henry is, only about 20 so he has years to keep learning-He has power in his hands and that's his main weapon, if he gets his grappling to a high level then not many will fancy facing him.

darced

This post has been deleted.

Noel Kinsella

darced wrote: »

This post has been deleted.

He is a character too ! I am on his facebook and he often speaks of himself in the "third person" Herculeez will knock this guy out, Herculeez would like to say etc I think he has the personality too. Good luck to him.

pablohoney87

Very soon to be talking ufc don't ya think? There's not many middleweights in Ireland. Especially when Henry started. Took on Ryan kelly in his second fight. Great to see him getting fights against European contenders though.
But his record is 5-5. If he can keep his current form up there's no reason why he can't make a real name for himself though.

magicherbs

Well he was mentioned on the other thread about traditional jiujitsu.

I think Henry is 21, very powerful, decent wrestling and KO power in his right hand. Probably blue belt level on the ground, based on my assessment from the grandstand.

I think he needs to take a year or two off fighting and upskill in all directions, particularly the ground. That's if he wants to get any where near a high level. Going around small time and the odd big for ireland venues putting on great fights but losing as often as he wins won't put him anywhere.

I think he needs to leave the lucan club and join the best club in ireland, which ever that is, and spend a lot of time improving. I think his marketability, natural charisma etc. is pretty much irrelevant now. I would be more worried by the fact he fights like an 18 year old and seems pretty devoid of any strategy or craftiness in the cage.

I think the guys in the top 5 of MW wouldn't find it hard to defeat him based on superior technique and game plan, but he would not a welcome fight for anyone in the lower half.

If he wants to be where Gunnar Nelson is, he has to try and do what Gunnar Nelson did. Take time away from pointless fights fighting local bums and spend quality time making himself a better fighter.

Ireland's brightest hope? I think that's a massive overstatement, he isn't even ranked in the top 5 in his weight class by any of the ranking web sites.

Conor mcgregor is moving quicker in the right direction.

Noel Kinsella

Nice writing. I did not realise he had 5 losses I must have missed that bit :-) I think with a record of 5 and 5 he is not going where he thinks he is going ( to read his facebook page and he now has a CHAMPION tattoo etc) I would expect a guy to beating most of his opponents at this low level to have a big future. Looks like I bought into the hype a bit just on both occasions I saw him he won easy and looked good. IMO.

magicherbs wrote: »

Well he was mentioned on the other thread about traditional jiujitsu.

I think Henry is 21, very powerful, decent wrestling and KO power in his right hand. Probably blue belt level on the ground, based on my assessment from the grandstand.

I think he needs to take a year or two off fighting and upskill in all directions, particularly the ground. That's if he wants to get any where near a high level. Going around small time and the odd big for ireland venues putting on great fights but losing as often as he wins won't put him anywhere.

I think he needs to leave the lucan club and join the best club in ireland, which ever that is, and spend a lot of time improving. I think his marketability, natural charisma etc. is pretty much irrelevant now. I would be more worried by the fact he fights like an 18 year old and seems pretty devoid of any strategy or craftiness in the cage.

I think the guys in the top 5 of MW wouldn't find it hard to defeat him based on superior technique and game plan, but he would not a welcome fight for anyone in the lower half.

If he wants to be where Gunnar Nelson is, he has to try and do what Gunnar Nelson did. Take time away from pointless fights fighting local bums and spend quality time making himself a better fighter.

Ireland's brightest hope? I think that's a massive overstatement, he isn't even ranked in the top 5 in his weight class by any of the ranking web sites.

Conor mcgregor is moving quicker in the right direction.

Xlami

Big fan of Herculez, think he has incredible incredible talent but thing he's a bit far from the UFC. However hopefull he could be there in 3-4 years.

What impresses me most about him is that he seems to be really working on his weaknesses and can see improvements every fight. Even in his last fight his wrestling defense was excellent. Think at the minute the likes of Leeroy Barnes, Jack Mason, Victor Cheung, Andrew Punshon could beat Henry on the ground but I have every confidence in him to continiously improve and then start comfotably beating these types of fighters and making a convincing case for him to sign with the UFC. They rarely sign fighters without a strongly balanced record.

I look forward to watching him anyway and even though he is already a big draw I think he will become a huge draw on cards.

Also to the poster who said he was fighting local bums (apart from his pro debut as I've no idea) I don't think he has fought one 'bum'. Everyone on his record is a quality fighter especially for someone as young as Henry to be fighting.

Major.Bison

What are you talking about? He is ranked no.5 Middleweight. (http://powerhousemma.ie/december-2012-irish-mma-rankings/).. This guy is a guy to watch out for.I remember him in the mma leagues not too long ago. Correct me if im wrong but his first ever mma fight was in 2010? at Rumble in rush when he was 18 or 17.. He ripped apart all his opponents as an amateur (5-0) including his KO victory against a huge Darragh Kennedy who he ended in 21 seconds WITH a flying knee not just his "right hand" which everyone seems to think is his only weapon bare in mind that his 1st submission landed in top 5 submissions 2012. I was there that night..THIS KID WAS JUST 19 AT THE TIME!.. he Turned pro at 19! Fought the toughest middleweights ireland has to offer Ryan Kelly, Dwayne hinds, John Sheils ALL BEFORE HE TURNED 21!! Yes the poor kid lost (i think all were TITLE fights btw) but what do you expect when the kid fights guys who have been in the sport propably before His mother even allowed him to start watchin violence on tv. He only turned 21 recently, He is on a 5 or 6 fight winning streak. He holds an mma belt and lets not forget he also does k-1, AND now hold a belt in that too!. He continues to grow as a fighter everytime and I think so far what we have seen of him is just the tip of the iceberg. He finishes fights and he finishes them brilliantly, thats what makes him stand out. I will continue to follow this kid because i think he is going places. You say UFC, I say WHY NOT..

pablohoney87

Look Henry is a friend and is a serious prospect.
BUT, I think a lot of people might be getting carried away with one big win.
Charlie I'd say saw henry as a stepping stone. (Big mistake to do that with anyone who has henry's power).
His other wins. (And I mean no offence to anyone here) John Redmond twice (Biggest scalp on his record is probably Tim McRory), A debutant (Also Henry's Debut so no problem with that) and a french guy who fought scared against him.
You can talk about putting on exciting fights and nobody gets an easy win against him but that wont make up for an even record. If his form continues he can be talked about but for now he needs to pick fights smart, maybe not be so concerned about belts around his waist and SLOWLY work his way through Europe. As mentioned he is only 21 or 22. No need to rush it.

RoboRat

You say UFC, I say WHY NOT..

Nobody is saying he cant, just not yet. If he went into the UFC he would get torn a new one. He needs time to develop and then he could hold his own, not at the moment though, he is too inexperienced.

Major.Bison

Oh of course, i know its early. Hence why i said we have only seen the tip of the iceberg. he still has alot of time on his hands and alot of time to get better. I never ment UFC right now obviously. Like i said "He is one to watch out for".. I have no doubt he will get there in time. And as for you PabloHoney i dont really think your his friend, the fact you say hey to him when you see him doesnt qualify you as his friend. If you were really his friend you would know about sh1t behind the scenes.. You would notice his development and how rapid he is growing. And you would DEFINITELY not be talking crap like that. All i hear from you is record record record. Do you even fight.. if you do PLEASE tell us.. What is YOUR record?.. ALso your talkin about record.. do you want to include is K-1 record of which i said he also holds a title in. 5-0 amateur, 5-4 pro, 3-1 pro k-1.. and JUST turned 21??? That Damn right impressive to me

pablohoney87

Who is talking Sh*t about him?

I am talking about reality and the direction someone in his position right now might be thinking.
As for myself and my record lets just say I never would have had the devotion to ever turn pro

(Oh and think you're missing a fight on his record there)

magicherbs

Major.Bison wrote: »

Oh of course, i know its early. Hence why i said we have only seen the tip of the iceberg. he still has alot of time on his hands and alot of time to get better. I never ment UFC right now obviously. Like i said "He is one to watch out for".. I have no doubt he will get there in time. And as for you PabloHoney i dont really think your his friend, the fact you say hey to him when you see him doesnt qualify you as his friend. If you were really his friend you would know about sh1t behind the scenes.. You would notice his development and how rapid he is growing. And you would DEFINITELY not be talking crap like that. All i hear from you is record record record. Do you even fight.. if you do PLEASE tell us.. What is YOUR record?.. ALso your talkin about record.. do you want to include is K-1 record of which i said he also holds a title in. 5-0 amateur, 5-4 pro, 3-1 pro k-1.. and JUST turned 21??? That Damn right impressive to me

Jesus take henry's balls out of your mouth, you are choking on them. Your entire argument is based on his age. His k1 and mma league records are irrelevant. Do you train with him or just do his massages for him ?

Major.Bison

No im just a guy who believes in real talent, supporting and encouraging Guys that i think are going places.. Instead of bad mouthing and disheartening them. Herculez just happenes to be one of my present favourites. Oh and my "argument" isnt based on his age or k-1 fights. He is simply an amazing fighter and one of MMA's "FUTURE"... The K-1 and age thing are just more aspects that really impress me. And honestly if this is how Ireland treats their upcoming fighters I am not suprised why there is such a lack of Irsh fighters in the UFC.. You put them down so much before they can get anywhere. You guys have ALOT to learn

El Guapo!

Major.Bison wrote: »

And honestly if this is how Ireland treats their upcoming fighters I am not suprised why there is such a lack of Irsh fighters in the UFC.. You put them down so much before they can get anywhere. You guys have ALOT to learn

You obviously don't hang around this forum much then.
The majority of the time, people in this forum are hugely supportive of Irish fighters, clubs and promotions. It's a really good, supportive and encouraging forum to be in. And Ireland, as a whole, is generally supportive of our fighters and it's a great community.
If a fighter gets criticism around here, it's usually constructive. And it's usually delivered in here by people involved heavily in the local scene or by people with a great knowledge of the sport.
You should probably get your facts straight before you slag off some of the best mma fans around tbh.

pablohoney87

You really have an attitude problem man.

nobody has said anything negative about Henry. All anyone has said is he has a long way to go.

Hell if we're gonna start talkin bout people heading to the ufc when they're that far off lets talk bout some of the teen talent out there like James gallagher or Luke caffery?

Richy06

James is HOF bound, sure.









And I mean that.

Xlami

El Guapo! wrote: »

You obviously don't hang around this forum much then.
The majority of the time, people in this forum are hugely supportive of Irish fighters, clubs and promotions. It's a really good, supportive and encouraging forum to be in. And Ireland, as a whole, is generally supportive of our fighters and it's a great community.
If a fighter gets criticism around here, it's usually constructive. And it's usually delivered in here by people involved heavily in the local scene or by people with a great knowledge of the sport.
You should probably get your facts straight before you slag off some of the best mma fans around tbh.

Quality post man. And just feel threads like this can be dangerous just because of the proximity of MMA in Ireland. Most people offering impartial opinions even when they've direct relations with the fighters.

Major.Bison

I actualy dont dont have a personal relationship with the guy, i know him just as much as i know Paul Redmond or the next real talent coming up. I just personaly think some of the guys here are too judgemental and unnecessarily belittling.. It has no direct link to my life what so ever. Just giving my opinion like the next guy.

pablohoney87

Major.Bison wrote: »

I actualy dont dont have a personal relationship with the guy, i know him just as much as i know Paul Redmond or the next real talent coming up. I just personaly think some of the guys here are too judgemental and unnecessarily belittling.. It has no direct link to my life what so ever. Just giving my opinion like the next guy.

Nobody is belittling anyone here.
I havent said anything here that I wouldnt say to the guys face if he was talking about heading for the UFC. That kinda talk around him either is just a distraction.
Its a long way to the top. And Henry isnt on the road that long.

Noel Kinsella

pablohoney87 wrote: »

Nobody is belittling anyone here.
I havent said anything here that I wouldnt say to the guys face if he was talking about heading for the UFC. That kinda talk around him either is just a distraction.
Its a long way to the top. And Henry isnt on the road that long.

Distraction ??? He has champion tattooed on his body................................

pablohoney87

Noel Kinsella wrote: »

Distraction ??? He has champion tattooed on his body................................

It says "I am champion". The title of a speech I assume he finds pretty inspirational.

Major.Bison

Yea its says "I am Champion".. i asked him about it before and he said it was a motivational phrase.. something about what his granddad used to say to him or something as far as i remember.. See what i mean again.. You saw just the Champion part and already Jumped to conclusion about the guy.. Come on

pablohoney87

Major.Bison wrote: »

See what i mean again.. You saw just the Champion part and already Jumped to conclusion about the guy.. Come on

See what i mean again about you being way too defensive?