September 26, 2009

Walla Walla knockout artist

An article on "Ultimate Fighting Championship knockout artist" Dan Henderson:

Dan Henderson:  The Native American Knockout Artist

By Stoker MacHendo's fighting style resembles a hunter deep in the forest, stalking a trophy elk with with his trusty .270 Winchester rifle close by his side. There may be a valid reason for this.

According to the Confederated Umatilla Journal, "Henderson's grandmother, Alice (Bergevin) LeJune, is an enrolled member of the Confederated Tribes and owns land on the Umatilla Indian Reservation. From all accounts, Henderson is 1/16 Walla Walla Native American."

"Now I know I’m Walla Walla," Henderson told the publication. "It’s refreshing to find some of those things out. I look Indian and I knew I had some, but I didn’t know what tribe or exactly how much. It will be good to be able to tell my kids about their heritage."

So, not unlike his hunting ancestors, he is also a highly skilled and patient hunter.
Comment:  I don't know if the Walla Walla or anyone would consider Henderson an Indian just because his grandmother is an Indian. Apparently he knew little or nothing about his Native roots until recently.

The talk of Henderson's being a hunter and stalker is ridiculous and stereotypical. Maybe he approaches his fights with a mystical sense of oneness with nature. Maybe he punches every part of his opponent the way his ancestors used every part of the buffalo. But I doubt it.

For more on related subjects, see "Rezdog" the Mixed Martial Artist and Cage Fighter Doesn't Like Violence.

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