Dan Henderson’s first fight after leaving the UFC for Strikeforce was a five-round main event vs. Mauricio Rua at UFC 139 in November 2011. Fans were treated to an instant classic between two legends of the sport, with Henderson winning the first three rounds, nearly knocking Shogun out with the “H-bomb” right hand, before Shogun put forth a massive comeback that ultimately fell short. The judges scored it unanimously 48-47 for Henderson, although Shogun not receiving a 10-8 for round 5 is absolutely puzzling.
Fast forward just under 2.5 years and they’re both definitely past their best, not likely to factor in the title picture at light heavyweight, so it’s rematch time for Shogun and Hendo, this time it’s in Natal, Brazil on Sunday, March 23rd (because Fox Sports 1 is airing live Motocross on Saturday).
Aside from Shogun/Hendo 2 is a co-main event between C.B. Dollaway and Cezar Ferreira, plus TUF Brazil 2 winner Leo Santos battles TUF Smashes lightweight champ Norman Parke. Additionally, Scott Jorgensen looks for his first flyweight win as he takes on Jussier Formiga.
Here’s what the current card looks like, with the main card and prelim order yet to be determined:
Mauricio Rua vs. Dan Henderson
C.B. Dollaway vs. Cezar Ferreira
Leonardo Santos vs. Norman Parke
Rony Jason vs. Steven Siler
Ronny Markes vs. Thiago Santos
Jussier Formiga vs. Scott Jorgensen
Fabio Maldonado vs. Gian Villante
Gleison Tibau vs. Mairbek Taisumov
Thiago Perpetuo vs. Kenny Robertson
Diego Brandao vs. Will Chope
Godofredo Castro vs. Noad Lahat
Hans Stringer vs. Francimar Barroso
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