Feb 16, 2012 - After beating Mauricio "Shogun" Rua in an all-time classic last November, 41-year-old legend Dan Henderson turned down a proposed bout with Antonio Rogerio Nogueira to watch how events would unfold in January's UFC on FOX show.
If Rashad Evans had been upset by Phil Davis, Henderson would have been thrust into a title fight with UFC light heavyweight champion Jon Jones. And even if Evans had won but Chael Sonnen had lost his fight on the same night, Henderson might have received a chance at a rematch with middleweight kingpin Anderson Silva.
Neither of those scenarios transpired, however, as both Evans and Sonnen won, setting up their own respective title shots. That has left Henderson in a kind of championship purgatory, with no obvious short-term move, according to Dana White."He doesn't want to fight Machida," White said following last night's UFC on FUEL event. "He doesn't want to wait. He's going to have to wait. Who does he want to fight? I don't know what to do with Dan. Dan's either going to have to wait for Jones or wait for Silva. Or fight somebody else."
If that sounds like a lot of hand-wringing and uncertainty, you should have seen the look on White's face, his eyes scanning around the room as if searching for an answer.
A look at the UFC's top 205-pounders puts the issue in focus. Jones and Evans are set for April. A Rua rematch wouldn't make sense. He's apparently not interested in fighting either Machida or Nogueira. And as for the middleweight division, he's only interested in fighting Silva.
Perhaps one possibility could be the winner of UFC 144's Quinton "Rampage" Jackson vs. Ryan Bader fight. More specifically, a rematch with Jackson might make some sense, and in a recent interview with ESPN, Henderson said he would "entertain" that possibility, seeing it as a big fight.
If Jackson loses though, the pickings will be slim, and Hendo's wait will most likely persist into the summertime. He's said he'd be willing to compete as a heavyweight, but the UFC is likely to resist that offer. His best bet then would be the Jones-Evans winner, who -- barring injury -- would likely be available around August, the same month that Henderson turns 42.
40 comments
Comments
Henderson's in a pickle
Nobody really sounds like a good option for him right now. I’d like to see the shogun rematch but idk… I think waiting for the winner of evans/jones is the best idea, but I doubt he’ll wait that long, and he’ll probably take a fight that makes no sense lol
by Rob2507 on Feb 16, 2012 2:28 PM EST reply actions
Rua Rematch
Why does a Rua rematch not make sense? That was one of the best fights in UFC history. It makes much more sense than Diaz vs Condit.
by Truth4Life on Feb 16, 2012 2:33 PM EST reply actions
this
by toodiesel on Feb 16, 2012 2:36 PM EST up reply actions
If Hendo lost the Rua rematch then the UFC would lose out on the big money fight(Hendo fighting the winner of Jones/Evans), and Rua would be in a weird spot because they wouldn’t give him a title shot after that win. They wanna put together a fight where the winner would have equal hyping potential in facing the winner of jones/evans, and currently there’s not really anyone to fill that role against Henderson
by Rob2507 on Feb 16, 2012 3:00 PM EST up reply actions
If Rampage wins
and doesn’t retire, THEY HAVE to do that rematch. That fight was INSANE!!!
by Bigs- on Feb 16, 2012 3:44 PM EST up reply actions
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by bobby123 on Feb 19, 2012 4:17 AM EST up reply actions
Okay, I'm NOT just trying to be provocative, but....
Dan Henderson:
(a) Magically became afflicted with “hypogonadism” as soon as he came to the US from Pride so that now he’s got a doctor’s note for steroids
(b) Decisively lost both championship fights he’s been given in the UFC
© Has been a sore loser about both title fights against Silva and Rampage, insisting they were just lucky
(d) Has now run away from a rematch with Little Nog – who beat him before – and Machida – who’s been on the downslope.
I’m sorry, but this guy should have zero fans. Yeah, he juices up and so his fights are exciting now, but as a professional fighter, he always seems just so scuzzy to me.
by ComicsPlus on Feb 16, 2012 2:53 PM EST reply actions 2 recs
-1
by Rob2507 on Feb 16, 2012 2:54 PM EST up reply actions
+1
Only to make you break even again. You’re right about the steroid thing, but Hendo is a legend, and I wouldn’t change him for all the pigs in a blanket.
by Capable Legs on Feb 16, 2012 3:03 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
Double standard
Don’t totally agree with everything you wrote but it gets me thinking why Sonnen gets shit on for the TRT use but everyone still loves Hendo?!?! Just because Dan doesn’t talk trash??? They are both cheaters IMO and TRT should be banned.
by kanienkeha009 on Feb 16, 2012 3:53 PM EST up reply actions
Got a rec from me good sir
I’m not resting until I’m officially Anderson Silva status.- Jon "Bones" Jones
by AfroSamurai on Feb 16, 2012 4:50 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
I'm with you 100%
I have zero respect for any fighter who is on TRT. MMA is still growing and evolving, but if the sport wants to thrive long term, it will ban TRT completely. Sure, it may freeze out 1 or 2 guys who have legitimate T production problems, but that (remote) prospect is better than allowing fighters who have previously cheated to artificially replace the T they lost by cheating. To my knowledge, Michael Bisping is the only prominent MMArtist who has spoken up about this and he deserves our respect for that. TRT doesn’t belong in this or any other professional sport. It should be reserved for people with legitimate medical issues, not meatheads who need to regain the edge they lost due to cheating.
by The J on Feb 16, 2012 4:51 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
Dan doesn't want Machida
Because he doesn’t want to get his teeth kicked throught the back of his head
by A_Lone_Wolf on Feb 16, 2012 6:35 PM EST via mobile up reply actions 1 recs
Agree about the steroids...
but disagree about Little Nog. Nog is not nearly as good now as he was then, probably because he has naturally aged and doesn’t have a doctors note for steroids like other people.
by FrontxxRunner on Feb 16, 2012 9:27 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
+1
To put him back over the top.
Hendo thinks he’s hot sh*t, but really, he’s probably more fit for gatekeeper status. He ain’t gonna win a UFC belt. Yet here he is avoiding all other fights like he thinks he’s too good for them. A piece of advice Dan – take those fights, you might win them. A championship fight against any of the four potentials? (Silva, Sonnen, Jones, Evans) You will lose.
by Shifty-Eyed Dog on Feb 16, 2012 3:26 PM EST reply actions
+2
True.
by gduarte77 on Feb 16, 2012 4:04 PM EST up reply actions
All about the ca$h
At this point in Hendo’s career its not about fighting the best or winning the title. He just wants opponents that will generate him PPV revenue. And right now the only match that can do that is a Rampage rematch or wait for Jones. He’ll probably end up in against Rampage. If not I think he should step up and and take a rematch with Lil Nog. You would think he would want to avenge his one of the few times he’s been finished decisively.
by kanienkeha009 on Feb 16, 2012 4:34 PM EST up reply actions
HA
Hendo is on his way to G.O.A.T. status soon. How many of your hero’s jump weight classes and dominate the competition…you are correct, NONE!!! Hendo is like the old salty dog down at the docks that still puts in work double what the youngsters are doing so show some respect.
by J Sinister on Feb 16, 2012 5:35 PM EST up reply actions
Heh
Don’t think the dock workers are taking Vitamin T.
by DocCassidy on Feb 16, 2012 8:59 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
Dock workers have TRT prescriptions?
Or is “salty dog” another name for a juicer and a cheater?
Hendo/Bisping:
"He hit him so hard that even gravity got scared. Bisping hung in mid-air for a moment while gravity screamed at inertia, "Did you see that shit!?" Then, after a high five, the two universal forces quit screwing around and yanked Bisping's limp body onto the floor." - Seanbaby
"You are banned from bloodyelbow because Roth was being too nice and your picture" -Tim Burke
by superfknmario__ on Feb 16, 2012 10:43 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
Mario
When you are 42 years old you will not be fighting huge fights but more than likely having your life partner Jacques wipe your @ss because you will be a broken down old man with a belly that looks like you are a month overdue with twins. I bet you will take anything just to feel you were 38 again, especially if your doctor prescribes it. So please come out from under your bridge and recognize an accomplished real fighter that has given his life and well being to entertain and make a little pocket change while he is at it.
by J Sinister on Feb 17, 2012 12:39 AM EST up reply actions
I love weak American men making fun of French people....
….When THEY’RE the ones who need testosterone and Viagara to be manly.
Hendo pays another dude to thrust a long, hard tube fully of juicy hormones up his anus every week. It’s just that the dude is a doctor and the hormones are testosterone. Why you think that somebody like this is “manly” is kinda bizarre.
by ComicsPlus on Feb 17, 2012 3:58 AM EST up reply actions
Correct
That’s also why Dan and Chael get along so well
by A_Lone_Wolf on Feb 17, 2012 8:49 AM EST via mobile up reply actions
I know he's your hero and all, but don't just grab your pom poms and put the blinders on. Sheesh. Man up and accept the truth
Hendo always has and always will be one of my favorite fighters. However, I’m not going to turn a blind eye when I see that he is doing something that is wrong. TRT should be banned from competition. End of story. No exceptions.
As of right now, he has an unfair advantage just because he got a BS doctor’s prescription. If he does have a legitimate condition, it’s likely from taking steroids in the past. Hence, it is perfectly fair to call him a cheater regardless of how much I enjoy watching him fight.
Aren’t you in love with Brock and also a Sonnen fan? I won’t fault you for being a fan of Hendo, but to turn a blind eye to his TRT usage and support the aforementioned fighters tells me that you have your priorities mixed up.
Hendo/Bisping:
"He hit him so hard that even gravity got scared. Bisping hung in mid-air for a moment while gravity screamed at inertia, "Did you see that shit!?" Then, after a high five, the two universal forces quit screwing around and yanked Bisping's limp body onto the floor." - Seanbaby
"You are banned from bloodyelbow because Roth was being too nice and your picture" -Tim Burke
by superfknmario__ on Feb 17, 2012 8:13 PM EST up reply actions
I think Henderson is one of the most dangerous guys in MMA
but I don’t see that baseball punch right hand getting anywhere near Jon Jone’s chin. He won’t have more success than Rampage did
by Bigs- on Feb 16, 2012 3:46 PM EST reply actions
Henderson possible opponents
Dan if u want to fight and not wait then the only opponents u got from the LWH division that makes kinda sense for u to fight would be winner of the Rampage vs Bader fight or maybe James Te Huna if he destroys Rosa on march 3rd, or a super fight with randy couture. Dan also has suggested he may be interested in a HW fight which would be amazing!!! Dan Henderson vs Werdum, Carwin, or even Big Foot Silva would be great; However, the more possible scenario is Dan Henderson vs rampage II. Dan is a business man ( reason he left for strikeforce more $$$$), and he is all about the $$$$. I’m sure he would like a rematch with Rampage, and he knows Dan Henderson vs Rampage Jackson II is a much bigger PPV event than Dan Henderson vs Machida ( im sure Dan gets PPV $). Also he knows a fight which Rampage is a guarantee FOTN bonus and plenty of extra locker room pay.
What you going to do when you know who? How you going to deal with the man of steel? And how will you react to Sonnen's attack?
by Alfxtream on Feb 16, 2012 4:02 PM EST reply actions
With all due respect
You’re joking right?
by Bigs- on Feb 16, 2012 4:54 PM EST up reply actions
With all due respect
You’re joking right?
by Bigs- on Feb 16, 2012 4:53 PM EST reply actions
People really overlooking Ryan Bader, huh?
Am I the only one who thinks Bader could pull the upset in Japan?!
by RyanG- on Feb 16, 2012 5:04 PM EST reply actions
Yup. If Bader can't get past Tito, forget about Rampage.
by SurfPunk420 on Feb 17, 2012 1:10 AM EST up reply actions
Retirement
I like Hendo. I know that fighters, at least most, quitting isn’t in their vocabulary. But after the fight I saw with Rua, Hendo should retire. That was a great victory that he barely walked away with. Take that and be happy. Any fight with the opponents listed above, I see Hendo taking a beating. It will basically result in elderly abuse for anyone that fights him. He’s not the Hendo of old.
by xX__FROST__Xx on Feb 16, 2012 5:18 PM EST reply actions
Hendo
He needs to stay trained up because if Rashad stubs his baby toe then the fight will be off and who will they call….THE MIGHTY HENDO….Say Chael gets axe murdered and chopped into itsy bitsy pieces when he arrives in Brazil then the fight will be off and who will they call….THE MIGHTY HENDO….. So stay on your mountain climbing simulation thingie and get ready to do the d@mn thing.
by J Sinister on Feb 16, 2012 5:32 PM EST reply actions
"A Rua rematch wouldn't make sense."
Please explain…
"Ultimately, martial art means honestly expressing yourself... it is easy for me to put on a show and be cocky, or I could show you some really fancy movement... But to express oneself honestly, not lying to oneself, and to express myself honestly... Now that, my friend, is very hard to do."
-Lee Jun-fan
by Spoiler on Feb 16, 2012 5:53 PM EST reply actions
JW
but why does a rua rematch make sense right now?
by Greasy_Sausage_Pizza on Feb 16, 2012 6:20 PM EST up reply actions
What about Vitor Belfort?
A fight against Vitor would be sick but I think he’s locked in to fight Wanderlei because of the TUF Brazil show…even though that fight really doesn’t make sense for Vitor other than the $$$ aspect.
I would love to see him fight Rockhold too be he needs a bigger name.
by mphi0528 on Feb 16, 2012 8:21 PM EST reply actions
Why the Rua rematch?
It was a great fight. Why ruin it with a boring sequel.
by DocCassidy on Feb 16, 2012 9:06 PM EST reply actions
Don't have a boring sequel, then.
Have an exciting sequel… or, would that ruin it, too?
"Ultimately, martial art means honestly expressing yourself... it is easy for me to put on a show and be cocky, or I could show you some really fancy movement... But to express oneself honestly, not lying to oneself, and to express myself honestly... Now that, my friend, is very hard to do."
-Lee Jun-fan
by Spoiler on Feb 18, 2012 10:58 AM EST up reply actions
They Should Give Hendo Werdum
-Fabricio is coming off a dominating performance over Roy Nelson and has only lost 2 of his last 8 fights and those were against Dos Santos and Overeem.
-Both guys are coming off a recent victory over the previously indestructible Fedor, and both are looking to get back to a title fight.
-Its a big fight, 2 legends popular in the US, Brazil and Japan.
Lets see which one of these Fedor defeaters is worthy of a title shot in the UFC, let em battle it out, seems like a no-brainer to me.
by SurfPunk420 on Feb 16, 2012 11:31 PM EST reply actions
Hendo's at the stage of...
his career he should get to call his own shots. If he waits for Jones, that would be one last big PPV money fight for him. Plus after Jones beats Rashad, who’s left at 05?
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