We're just five days away from UFC 88, and to the extent that anyone is talking about the undercard, the focus seems to be on Rich Franklin vs. Matt Hamill.But I think the most intriguing fight of the night is the matchup between Dan Henderson and Rousimar Palhares.
Henderson has been overlooked recently because he's only fought twice in the last 18 months, and both were losses. But losing to Anderson Silva and Rampage Jackson is nothing to be ashamed of, and this is still the same guy who knocked out Wanderlei Silva last year, and who is the only fighter to simultaneously have two titles in two different weight classes in a major MMA organization. Any time he steps into the Octagon it's a big fight.
Palhares is among the best Brazilian jiu jitsu fighters in the world. He's won six straight fights and no one has even gotten past the first round against him in that time, and his win over Ivan Salaverry at UFC 84 was pure jiu jitsu mastery.
So what happens when they lock horns? I like Palhares to win, because I question whether the 38-year-old Henderson still has the punching power to go along with his great wrestling skill, and I think he can't beat Palhares on the ground. But I like Henderson and I'd love to see him prove me wrong. This is a very good fight.
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