Anderson Silva is the only opponent that interests Dan Henderson at Middleweight
Posted on August 25, 2011, 02:44 PM by Joey Santosus
While there is no deal to report at this time, Strikeforce Light Heavyweight Champion Dan Henderson is open to returning to the octagon for a rematch with pound-for-pound king Anderson Silva.
That is, at least, the opinion of his manager Aaron Crecy, who tells MMAFighting.com that Silva is likely the only fight Henderson would be willing to take at 185-pounds.
"He's open to going back (to the UFC)," Crecy said. "And to face Anderson, that's probably the only fight he'd consider at 185. If they offered it, I'm sure he'd accept that, but that's my own opinion."
Talks of the match-up began picking up steam when UFC Co-Owner Lorenzo Fertitta recently revealed that the promotion would "love" to have the two Champions headline the UFC's November 12th debut on the FOX network.
"We don't have a main event set yet, we'll find out probably after this Saturday, these fights in Rio, then we'll set a main event. But it'll be something big. It'll be a big fight. I would love to do (Silva vs. Henderson). Anderson just needs a win," Fertitta told Tatame.com
Their first meeting took place at UFC 82 in 2008, and though Henderson succumbed to a rear-naked choke late in the second-round, many felt that he'd proved to be one of Silva's toughest opponents to date. In the time since, the Team Quest fighter has went on a tear, winning six of his seven outings, including victories over Rich Franklin, Michael Bisping, and Fedor Emelianenko.
Crecy explained that negotiations between his client and the UFC are still in the "preliminary" stages at this time, but stated that, at this point in his career, Henderson is just looking for "big fights." If "The Spider" can successfully make his 9th title defense against Yushin Okami this weekend, Silva vs. Hendo II just may be as big as it gets.
Further Reading: Looking back at Anderson Silva's toughest tests in the UFC
Photo: Dan Henderson celebrates his victory over Michael Bisping during UFC 100 at the Mandalay Bay Events Center on July 11, 2009 in Las Vegas, Nevada. Francis Specker
Comments
would be a great chance for hendo but i dont think he fights at his best with the weight cut!! for sure he wants to revenge his loss against anderson but i would like to see him fight at 205 only!! maybe against machida or rashad
Despite all his campaigning, seems that Sonnen will be left in the lurch. Hendo is riding the high crest of success these days and looks, therefore, more attractive for the UFC and the fans these days...I would still like Sonnen vs Silva 2, though...They certainly have an unfinished business to finish...
unfinished business? Silva won via submission, Sonnen literally gave up business finished.
Hendo stay at 205 bro.Have Anderson man up and fight you at your weight.
"Anderson just needs a win". And if he does win, I think this fight happens.
Anyone want to hazard a guess why Dan wants to cut down to 185 and fight the Spider, instead of fighting at his preferred weight of 205?
Because Anderson is no longer the guy everyone wants to avoid...
dan henderson has never ducked anybody, honestly dont think thats the reason.
I'm gonna vomit if I see one more Hendo title shot article. HE DOESN'T DESERVE ANY TITLE SHOT YET. Get real. He needs at least one win in the UFC to be a deserving contender.
Silva turned it on and beat Hendo convincingly in that match. Hendo mixing it up with the other 205's in UFC sounds like a better, long term idea. A younger Hendo could do it, I don't think he can do it now.