Dan Henderson vs Daniel Cormier announced for UFC 173

Henderson vs Cormier set to decide the future number 1 contender

by Ben Heather @benheather

The UFC twitter account got everyone excited this afternoon when it tweeted that Dana White would today announce some "Breaking News" on Sports Center on ESPN in the states. As always this started all kinds of rumours being posted on Twitter but not long after all was revealed as Dana announced that Dan Henderson would meet Daniel Cormier as the Co Main Event of UFC 173.

Both men come in to the fight off the back of knockout victories, Dan Henderson knocked out Shogun Rua one month ago today and Daniel Cormier easily finished Pat Cummins back at UFC 170 in February.

Henderson (30-11 MMA 7-5 UFC) ended a three fight losing streak when he came back from the brink to knock out Shogun Rua in a fight he was easily losing. However, when you have the power Henderson does in his fists and manage to land a H-Bomb in a fight it changes everything.

Can Henderson get back to a title shot, which he already had until he had to pull out of the fight with Jones at the ill fated UFC 151, the event which never actually took place. The big thing to remember for this fight though is it will be the first time in a few years where Henderson will not have TRT to help him. What impact will this have on his game, only time will tell.

Cormier (14-0 MMA 3-0 UFC) comes in to this fight knowing a win will get him a shot at Jon Jones, who he has been chasing to fight ever since he came over to the UFC.

Since joining the UFC Cormier has improved in every performance. His first fight wasn't the best for the fans to watch but he got the better of Frank Mir. Next up for Cormier was a potentially tricky fight with Roy Nelson, again it may not have been the best performance for the fans but Cormier easily won the fight.

His most recent fight should have been against Rashad Evans as Cormier dropped down to light heavyweight for the first time, unfortunately Evans got injured and on short notice the fight was scrapped. That was when Pat Cummings stepped in, a former wrestling partner of Cormier who had talked his way in to the UFC to fight on about a weeks notice. Cormier however didn't ease up and cruise in the fight, he destroyed Cummings in just over a minute.

Fighting Henderson will be a first test for Cormier at light heavyweight and will be the name he needs to help justify a title shot.

With Gustafsson next in line for the winner of Jones vs Teixeira I think the more realistic option will be a fight between the winner of this fight and the winner of the Phil Davis vs Anthony Johnson fight this weekend at UFC 172. I know Dana said that the winner of this will be the next number one contender but that will involve sitting on the sidelines for a good 6 months, so I think one more fight will be required for either man before they get a shot at the title.

MMA Retirement: When is enough, enough?

by Chris Marzella @ChrisMarzella

Whose place is it to tell a fighter when enough is enough?

Everyone is forthcoming with retirement advise on a weekly basis, but when is enough really enough?

Case in point was this past Sunday night when Dan Henderson brutally knocked out Shogun Rua.

Rua dominated for two and a half rounds, knocking Henderson down, mounting him and clearly winning the fight. Winning the fight until a H-Bomb detonated on his nose that is.

What we learned coming out of that fight is that Shogun may very well be back to his best.

Coming off of his spectacular knock out of James Te Huna there were many questions relating to Shogun. Well, for over twelve minutes he put on a clinic. He looked fantastic. Hurting Henderson, taking him down. He looked threatening again.

Henderson, well, he didn't look so great. He was sluggish, he got caught with far too many punches for anyones liking. Shogun was dropping him at will and there only seemed one winner.

That is why both men still have a future with the UFC.

Firstly Henderson. When you carry the power that he does you can do this for as long as you choose. Speed and agility desert you first, power lasts the longest. What is clear is that Henderson doesn't belong in fights leading to a title shot.

At 43-years-old and having just signed a six fight contract recently, it could be that time to throw him into purely fun fights. 

Salivate at the prospect of Henderson vs Sonnen, Henderson vs Silva. Even Henderson vs Franklin.

The thought of Henderson mixing it with Gustafsson, Teixeira and the likes isn't exactly enticing.

Shogun on the other hand at 32-years-old should still have years in him. It's the wars he's been through and beatings he has taken that has people calling for his retirement.

However, excluding the result and solely looking at his performance there is no good reason not to go on. Anyone hit with the punch he was hit with would have gone down as was evident by his nose being smeared all over his face.

What it may take to revitalise his career is the same route that Lyoto Machida took, a trip down to middleweight.

He looked in fantastic condition for his last two fights, probably the best shape we've seen him in so cutting to 185-pounds isn't entirely out of the question.

There lies some old rematch as well as new, fresh challenges. Machida, Munoz, Bisping, Le, Belfort, Rockhold, Jacare. Even potentially Anderson Silva.

Whilst the title picture seems just out of reach for Henderson it does leave it slightly open for Shogun should he opt for a change of scenery and a move down to middleweight, despite being knocked out.

Whilst both their routes now seem uncertain, one thing that is certain is that you don't tell guys like Henderson and Shogun when to retire. Both have earned the right to decide that for themselves.

UFC Sign Noad Lahat, debuts at Fight Night 38

UFC sign Noad Lahat, Featherweight makes debut at UFC Fight Night: Shogun vs. Henderson II

The UFC has announced the signing of Noad Lahat. The popularity of the UFC has soared in Israel recently, with all programming broadcast on the “free to air” Sport 5, part of The Sports Channel LTD group. Now with this announcement, made on Friday, that popularity will only increase.

Noad Lahat is an undefeated mixed martial artist with a 7-0 record. He is based out of the American Kickboxing Academy (AKA) in San Jose, USA.

On the signing, Sean Shelby said:

“Israeli born, Noad Lahat is a great undefeated featherweight prospect possessing a strong ability to finish fights with an outstanding ground game.”

Lahat will make his UFC debut when Godofredo Pepey welcomes the undefeated featherweight prospect to the Octagon in Natal, Brazil at UFC Fight Night 38: Shogun vs. Henderson II on Saturday 23rd March. Both fighters have verbally agreed to the bout.

Noad Lahat said:

“I’m really excited to have signed with the UFC and can’t wait for my first fight. Getting this contract means that my years of hard work are finally paying off, but it’s also just the beginning of what I want to accomplish in the UFC and in my career. I’m an exciting fighter, I finish fights. I’m going to keep doing that and go out there and impress people.

“As the only Israeli fighter on the UFC roster I hope that my success will inspire and motivate fighters from my home country. I hope that I can connect with fans and be someone they cheer for and support. Having an Israeli fighting in the UFC will help educate people and grow the sport in the country.”

Shogun vs Hendo rematch announced for UFC Fight Night 38

Shogun vs Hendo II announced as the main event for UFC Fight Night 38

by Chris Marzella @ChrisMarzella

A UFC fight for the ages is set be revisited as Dan Henderson (29-11) and Shogun Rua (22-8) get set to meet again at UFC Fight Night 38. It was announced on Thursday that the two veterans will square off in Brazil on March 23.

The pair first met in an instant classic back at UFC 139 in November 2011 in which Henderson came out on the right end of a hard fought decision in what many considered to be the fight of the year. Since then, both men have gone on to suffer a down turn of fortunes.

Henderson has lost three straight since then, most recently suffering the first knockout loss of his career to Vitor Belfort. Before that he lost two controversial decisions to Rashad Evans and Lyoto Machida.

Rua has similarly been struggling for form, failing to string a winning run together. He spectacularly knocked out James Te Huna in little over a minute back in December. Prior to that he lost successive fights to Alexander Gustafsson and Chael Sonnen.

The fight sees Henderson return to the UFC after entering free agency after his fight with Belfort. It also sees Henderson head south, back to Brazil, to have another attempt at picking up a win.

It remains to be seen how Henderson can bounce back after being brutally knocked out back in November.

Whilst Rua was victorious in his last outing, as always, it all depends on what kind of condition he can get himself into ahead of this rematch.

The fight is between the number six and seven ranked light heavyweights, but it would seem that both men, at least Henderson at 43-years-old, could very well be about to begin their final attempt at a run in the UFC.

If history has taught us anything it's that rematches of legendary fights very rarely live up to the expectation, but the fact is we will be getting Henderson vs Shogu II. All we can do is accept that and hope that the rematch gets close to the first fight in terms of excitement.

UFC Fight Night 38 takes place on March 23 from the Ginasio Nelio Dias, Natal, Brazil.

Kingdom MMA 2013 Awards: Male Fighter of the Year

Kingdom MMA Male Fighter of the Year Award 2013: Vitor Belfort

by Ben Heather - @benheather

2013 has been a great year for MMA, so many fighters have upped their game and the quality level of MMA has improved so much at all levels. The European shows such as Cage Warriors and BAMMA have put on great shows and the fighters abilities constantly improve with every event. Then you look at the UFC and look at the level of the fighters now to those a few years ago. Its no comparison, the guys now are incredible athletes and have put on a brilliant year of fighting for us all to enjoy and now we have the hard task of picking just one fighter to call Male fighter of the year.

Anthony Pettis became the lightweight champion, Johny Hendricks believes he deserves to be UFC Welterweight champion and Chris Weidman has twice defeated Anderson Silva. Alexander Gustafsson also pushed Jon Jones all the way but couldn't quite pull off the upset but certainly put on the performance of his life. All in all it has been a great year.

The main contenders for the award were.
Vitor Belfort who rebounded from losing to Jon Jones in his last fight of 2012 to come through three fights in 2013 and finish all of them with head kicks. Next up for Vitor is a title fight with Chris Weidman in 2014.

Demetrious Johnson has dominated his division fighting the best contenders in the division and improving with every single fight. First he easily defeated John Dodson by Unanimous Decision and then he put away top contenders John Moraga and Joseph Benevidez.

But it was clear that this year there could only be one winner and that man was Vitor Belfort.

Vitor Belfort has had possibly the best year of his MMA career which is very impressive as Belfort is now 36. Belfort is always surrounded by controversy whenever he fights due to his continued use of TRT and his previous failed drugs test. However, he is using TRT within the legal limits and until it is banned (I hope) can continue to. After all, the skills he has shown this year and the fighters he has beaten can not all be down to him using TRT.

In three fights in the octagon this year Vitor Belfort has put away Michael Bisping, Luke Rockhold and Dan Henderson and has done it in 10 minutes 17 seconds combined. To be able to finish the calibre of fighters he has finished in the method he has is truly amazing. He went in to both the Bisping and the Rockhold fight as the underdog even though both of those fights were in his home country.

The highlight of his year has to be the spinning back kick knockout of Luke Rockhold. The timing was perfect and the skill required to do the move was simply jaw dropping. Which is why we awarded the Knockout our Knockout of 2013.

Vitor then got revenge over Dan Henderson after losing the first fight between the pair when they fought in Pride in October 2006. This time Vitor knocked Henderson out for the first time in his 40 fight career.

People may call him a cheat or argue that he shouldn't be allowed to use TRT but the fact is he is allowed at the minute and based on his performances we award him the Kingdom MMA Male Fighter of Year 2013.

UFC Fight Night 32: Belfort vs Henderson Predictions

UFC Fight Night 32: Belfort vs Henderson Predictions

With Tim Kennedy's knock out, Alexis Davis' masterclass, and James Krause nether region (take that how you will) still fresh in our mind, The UFC is back already, and this time from Goiania, Brazil with UFC Fight Night 32: Belfort vs Henderson.

Kingdom MMA writer Jack Broadey (Twitter @j3cK_b) and Tommy Strong (Twitter @strong_tea) give you their predictions for the event which is sure to be a cracker!

Vitor Belfort vs Dan Henderson:
Strong: A fight between 2 of my least favourite fighters in the UFC. Not because of their fighting style, but because they both use TRT, but thats for another discussion.

I'm still trying to work out why this fight is happening? Belfort coming into the fight with stunning wins over Michael Bisping and Luke Rockhold at Middleweight, I'm struggling to see why he would move up in weight to take on someone very dangerous like Henderson.

Henderson though is in the twilight of his career, now 43 and coming off 2 very close losses to Machida and Rashad Evans, a loss here would surely see the end of his UFC career.

Im torn between who to pick. Can Vitor knock Hendo out? I don't think so. Can Vitor have the cardio for 5 rounds? I don't think so... 

Prediction: Vitor Belfort - Submission RD 3

Broadey: All I'm seeing is people not only completely write Dan Henderson off but totally underestimate him too. Belfort has looked amazing lately finishing fights with one shot or the infamous "Belfort Blitz." Henderson just doesn't get knocked out, by anybody. If we see a KO in this fight I feel it's likely to come from Hendo's right hand as Belfort rushes in. Neither man is renowned for there gas tank but Hendo also has a huge advantage there should the fight go deep. Belfort may well submit Henderson if this turns into a wrestling match.

Prediction: Dan Henderson - Unanimous Decision

Cezar Ferreira vs Daniel Sarafian:
Strong: Really looking forward to this fight. Both were scheduled to meet in the Brazil TUF final before Sarafian had to pull out due to an injury. Ferreira went onto beat the replacement and the man Sarafian beat in the semi finals Sergio Moraes via unanimous decision and win the TUF Middleweight tournament.

I think size might be the difference here, I really like Sarafian and wouldn't be surprised to see him win, though I have to go with Cezar Ferreira.

Prediction: Cezar Ferreira - Unanimous Decision

Broadey: We finally get to see the TUF Brazil finale. Safarian hasn't impressed me at all so far whilst the injury hit Ferreira has looked mightily impressive in his limited appearances so far. Cesar has way to much power in his hands for Safarian and he will stand and trade.

Prediction: Cezar Ferreira - TKO RD 2

Rafael Cavalcante vs Igor Pokrajac:
Strong: All of Rafael 11 wins have come via KO and his losses come to think of that, though Igor just isn't in the same league for me, having lost his last 3 fights I only see one winner here!

Prediction: Rafael Cavalcante - KO RD1 (Banker of the Night)

Broadey: Pokrajak has no business at all being on a main card never mind the 3rd main fight. He's lost 3 in a row and that should have been 4. He's tough and doesn't often get beatdown but he doesn't impose himself in fights. Cavalcante is very much hit and miss himself. Losing 2 of his last 4 with a win being chalked off after a drugs ban. He has motivational issues which makes him kind of hard to predict. If he turns up in the right frame of mind he should win this fight.

Prediction: Rafael Cavalcante - Unanimous Decision 

Paulo Thiago vs Brandon Thatch
Strong: This welterweight fight really has me interested, merely to see Brandon Thatch back in action again! His stunning debut knocking out Justin Edwards inside the 1st round was very impressive! Having won 10 fights inside the first round via KO or submission (1 loss) he may have to wait a little longer to get the job done on Thiago.

Thiago isn't the force he once was, though will be a good test for Thatch to see where he is in the division. Thiago doesn't possess the striking ability of Thatch or knock out power so will have to try and work some magic on the mat.

Prediction: Brandon Thatch - TKO RD 2

Broadey: This is a very fun fight. Thatch entered the UFC with a ton of hype and duly delivered and outstanding KO on debut. Thiago has been there and done it all, he's a whole different league to the competition Thatch has so far faced. Thiago generally only loses to the top guys in the division. Thatch will put himself in that mix after he knocks Thiago out.

Prediction: Brandon Thatch - TKO RD 1

Santiago Ponzinibbio vs Ryan LeFlare
Strong: Not going to lie here, I don't know much about Santiago if anything at all, but I know how good LeFlare is at grappling, takedowns and top position! I always back a man who can control a fight on the floor over a striker.

Prediction: LeFlare - TKO RD 2

Broadey: I don't know much Ponzinibbio other than he beat some descent competition on the way to the final of Tuf Brazil 2 including the eventual winner Santos before having to pull out due to injury. LaFlare is a huge Welterweight but very inexperienced. That could be a factor fighting in Brazil against a huge crowd favourite here. Benny Alloway took him the distance in a close fight so I won't expect fireworks here.

Prediction: Ponzinibbio - Unanimous Decision

Rony Jason vs Jeremy Stephens:
Strong: Not normally I like to pick the favourites for each fight, though I'm struggling to pick against Rony Jason here. Jeremy Stephens made his featherweight debut in May this year where he defeated Estevan Payan in dominating fashion via UD. But can he raise his game even further?

Rony Jason is a joy to watch at times , if he can get Stephens to the ground I fancy him pulling off a submission win. Though is the fight stays on the feet this could a very bad night for Rony.

Prediction: Jeremy Stephens - Unanimous Decision (Although not really comfortable about this pick)

Broadey: Jeremy Stephens although predominantly a striker is good everywhere but Jason is excellent everywhere - his one isn't close.

Prediction: Rony Jason - Submission RD 1 

UFC Fight Night 32: Belfort vs Henderson - UK Betting Odds

UFC Fight Night 32: Belfort vs Henderson - UK Betting Odds

With UFC Fight for the Troops 3 still fresh in our mind the UFC is back this time with UFC Fight Night 32 and as always there is a chance to make some money! We team up with partners William Hill to bring those who fancy a little flutter the latest clear cut, betting odds - Good Luck, and don't miss out on your free £25 bet below!

Preliminary Card
4/5 Jose Maria Tome v Dustin Ortiz 10/11 
17/20 Adriano Martins v Daron Cruickshank 17/20
4/9 Thiago Tavares v Justin Salas 13/8
13/8 Thiago Perpetuo v Omari Akhmedov 4/9 
17/20 Godofredo Pepey v Sam Sicilia 17/20

Main Card
1/2 Rony Jason v Jeremy Stephens 8/5 
6/5 Santiago Ponzinbibio v Ryan LaFlare 4/6
9/4 Paulo Thiago v Brandon Thatch 1/3
4/11 Rafael Cavalcante v Igor Pokrajac 21/10  
4/6 Cezar Ferreira v Daniel Sarafian 6/5
4/9 Vitor Belfort v Dan Henderson 7/4

*Blue denotes Favourite

Chael Sonnen vs Rashad Evan Confirmed For UFC 167

SONNEN VS EVANS TO CO-MAIN UFC 167 IN LAS VEGAS

By Tommy Strong @strong_tea

If UFC 167 wasn't wetting your appetite enough already, then news of Chael Sonnen vs Rashad Evans being the co-main event of the evening, will surely have the desired effect?!

The bout will be at light heavyweight (205lbs) and take place on November 16th in Las Vegas at the MGM Grand Garden Arena.

Sonnen (29-13-1) found himself fighting at light heavyweight after being the only fighter to step up at short notice to fight Jon Jones after Dan Henderson had to pull out due to an injury. Though it was Jones who refused to take the fight on such short notice forcing the UFC to cancel UFC 151.

With a heavy first round loss to Jon Jones at UFC 159 in April, when the pair met after being 'TUF' 17 coaches. Sonnen looked like he was fighting in the wrong division. Though a very impressive win over 'Shogun' Rua last month at UFC Fight Night 26, Sonnen managed to pull off a first round submission victory that earn't himself a top contender in Evans.

Though defeat for him here would more than likely see him return to the middleweight division, where he will be seeking to get another crack at the title or just possibly Anderson Silva!

Former light heavyweight Rashad Evans (18-3-1) has looked very poor since his defeat to Jon Jones in April 2012 when the pair squared off at UFC 145 for the light heavyweight title, losing via unanimous decision after 5 rounds.

Then going onto lose his next fight to Antionio Nogueira in a woeful performance and more recently getting back to winning ways with a split decision win over Dan Henderson at UFC 161 in June which wasn't easy to digest.

This could be just the type of fight Rashad needs to find his mojo, and climb his way back up to the top of the division where he belongs.

UFC 167 will be headlined by Georges St-Pierre when he puts his Welterweight belt on the line and faces the very dangerous and heavy handed Johny Hendricks.

Belfort vs Henderson set for UFC Fight Night 32

Vitor Belfort agrees Dan Henderson rematch

by Jack Broadey @J3cK_b

Vitor Belfort has not seemed to need Joe Silva's help in matching him recently. He's gone from calling out Chris Weidman, on to Chael Sonnen and finally settled on a Dan Henderson rematch.

Logically the fight makes no sense. He didn't want to fight Tim Kennedy as he wasn't ranked in the top 10. He didn't want Sonnen as he wanted a shot at Weidman's Middleweight belt. As soon as Sonnen found a matchup with Wanderlei Silva he suddenly became interested again. In short Belfort is a hard man to read. If the reason for avoiding the Kennedy fight was fair and logical the Henderson fight should surely fall under the same banner.

Henderson is obviously a danger and we all know what he's capable of on a good day. Are those good days behind him now? He's not ranked at Middleweight or Light Heavyweight, he doesn't fight very often, he's lost two fights in a row and Belfort has already beaten him, albeit 7 years ago. The fight smacks of Belfort taking the biggest name available willing to travel to Brazil. He keeps saying he's not hiding in Brazil to get away with his TRT usage but the fights in Brazil keep coming. The longer fights like this one spring up the more questions will be asked.

From Dan Henderson's point of view it must of been an easy decision to make to accept the fight. From being on the cusp of a title shot to being on a two fight skid is an extreme in itself. Neither loss was particularly damaging, infact there is an argument Henderson could of got the nod in both the Machida and Evans fights. The fact he didn't puts him right to the back of the que and makes him irrelevant again. A win over a Vitor Belfort jacked up on TRT  in Brazil is quite possibly the best win Dan Henderson could get right now.

Belfort is the standout middleweight contender and should Henderson beat him he probably catapults himself into that one last title fight he desperately craves. A win for Belfort again does nothing for him realistically. He's expected to win. He has beat another unranked opponent and won't earn a title shot with a win. Matchmaking has been very curious with Belfort lately. It's almost as if they want him to lose as they have no idea what to do with him.

The rematch will headline UFC Fight Night 32 in Golania, Brazil on November 9th. No other contests have yet been announced.

Barao out of UFC 161 Injured, Evans vs Henderson Now Headlines

Foot injury forces interim champ Renan Barao out of UFC 161

by Tommy Strong @Strong_tea

The UFC have officially announced that Interim UFC bantamweight champion Renan Barao, will no longer be headlining UFC 161 after being forced to pull out due to a foot injury.

Barao (30-1-1-NC) was due to headline the event for his Interim belt against Eddie Wineland (20-8-1). There has been no official statement by the UFC regarding Wineland. Whether he remain on the card, or not we will have to wait and see but it could mean he has to wait a little longer to get his shot at the belt.

The headline spot has now been taken by the original co-main event which will see Dan Henderson take on Rashad Evans. It has also been confirmed that this fight will take place over 3 rounds and not 5 rounds which is now the standard for all main event fights. 

Evans (22-3-1) is coming into the fight on back to back unanimous decision losses, first to Jon Jones at UFC 145 for the UFC light heavyweight title and more recently and surprisingly to Antionio Rogerio Nogueira at UFC 156 in February. Dan Henderson saw his title shot against Jon Jones go up in smoke when he lost in a split decision to Lyoto Machida at UFC 157. This will be a good chance for both fighters to get back into the title mix.

A fight that has also just been announced and added to the main card of UFC 161, which will see Roy "Big Country" Nelson (19-7) face Stipe Miocic (9-1).

5 UFC fights to watch in the next 6 weeks

5 Fights To Look Out For In The Near Future

by Jack Broadey @J3cK_b

With a break in the UFC schedule I thought I would take a look at the fights upcoming with some maybe flying under the radar. We have been spoilt lately with UFC events the last few weekends. These are my 5 must watch fights that take place over the next 6 weeks and I have tried to avoid picking the obvious matches and main events. However some main events do deserve inclusion here.

1. Junior Dos Santos v Mark Hunt
For me the co main event of the heavyweight double bill at UFC 160 is the more intriguing fight. Can Mark Hunt's fairy tale rise back up the rankings continue? Can Dos Santos get back into contention after a brutal beatdown and losing his title last time out? It's going to be great whilst it lasts either way!

2.Antonio Nogueira v Fabricio Werdum
What has Nogueira got left in the tank? This kind of fight should suit him stylistically. His boxing ability means this almost certainly will end up as jiu jitsu battle. Is Werdum the real deal and the next title contender many think he is? The 2 BJJ experts go at it in Brazil in June.

3. Gray Maynard v TJ Grant
The winner of this fight will meet Benson Henderson for the chance to win Lightweight gold. Gray Maynard is always a solid contender at the top of the division and Grant has rose very quickly with a string of not only good wins but very good performances to go with them. Can he get past his biggest test to date to get that elusive title shot?

4. Vitor Belfort v Luke Rockhold
If Belfort keeps winning in the fashion he is the UFC can't keep denying him another title shot. He's running through top contenders. Rockhold comes over from Strikeforce as the last Middleweight champion. Can he defeat Belfort and set up his own title shot? It would be hard to argue against the winner being granted a title shot whoever that might be.

5. Rashad Evans v Dan Henderson
Lets face it both men are coming off hugely disappointing losses. Henderson was supposed to fight Jon Jones for the Light Heavyweight title and instead got injured. He lost to Lyoto Machida instead in a very boring fight. An unmotivated  Rashad Evans surprisingly lost to little Nog and that's what makes this fight so exciting. Both men badly need to get back into the win column if they have serious title aspirations. Who wants it more at this stage of their career?

Rashad Evans vs Dan Henderson Official for UFC 161

A Light Heavyweight clash between a former Pride champion vs a former UFC champion is now set for UFC 161

In what only seems to be a matter of days since we last saw both Rashad Evans (17-3-1 MMA 12-3-1 UFC) and Dan Henderson (29-9 MMA 6-3 UFC) in the octagon and both pick up losses via decision they have agreed to enter again to face each other at UFC 161 on June 15th.

Last time out Rashad Evans lost to Antônio Rogério Nogueira in the co main event at UFC 156 in an uneventful fight. Evans will be hoping that his quick turn around and return to the Octagon will bring with it a return to the winning ways and get him back in to title contention.

Dan Henderson though will have something to say about that, Henderson who also lost in the co main event at UFC 157 to Lyoto Machida in a number 1 contenders battle in the light heavyweight division. Both fighters will want to improve on the previous performances they put in and do all they can to take the win.

This fight will be on the main card of the UFC 161 card which is headlined by the interim bantamweight title fight between Interim champion Renan Barao and Eddie Wineland and its set to go down on June 15th 2013. It is also the first time the UFC goes to Winnipeg, Canada.

The Fight card for UFC 161 currently looks like this:

Renan Barao vs. Eddie Wineland - for interim bantamweight title

Rashad Evans vs. Dan Henderson

Antonio Rogerio Nogueira vs. Mauricio Rua

Jake Shields vs. Tyron Woodley

Pat Barry vs. Shawn Jordan

Stipe Miocic vs. Soa Palelei

Sam Stout vs. Isaac Vallie-Flagg

Sean Pierson vs. Anthony Waldburger