It took a long time, but Dan Henderson will finally fulfil his dream at UFC 204 – fighting for a UFC world title. And against none other than one of his oldest rivals in Michael Bisping.
Hendo beat ‘The Count’ at UFC 100 and delivered one of the most memorable KO’s in the sport’s history. The former PRIDE and Strikeforce champion was promised a title shot with the win but things didn’t come to fruition. Now, on the eve of his 46th birthday, Henderson will have a chance to become a three-promotion world champion by beating Bisping for the second time at UFC 204.
Speaking to Ariel Helwani on Monday’s edition of The MMA Hour, Henderson said the stars just happened to align at the perfect moment.
“It all depended on what my options were afterwards as far as employment goes,” Hendo said, per Luke Thomas of MMA Fighting. “I was ready to kind of have that one be my last fight depending on, like I said, what options I’d have. For whatever reason, the stars aligned and the fans asked for one more fight, I guess.”
The former Olympian’s retirement bout was supposed to be at UFC 199, where he brutalised Hector Lombard with a vicious elbow and followed up with ground and pound. This time, though, win or lose, Henderson is adamant about retiring after UFC 204.
“I’m sure I’m definitely going to miss the competition, but you have to understand I’ve been competing my whole life,” he said. “Like I said, it’ll be nice to have this opportunity to finish in that way.”
Henderson is reported to face Bisping at UFC 204. The pay-per-view, which could also feature Gegard Mousasi vs. Vitor Belfort in the co-main event, is expected to take place on October 8 in Manchester, England.
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