Not only is Dan Henderson not retiring, he’s already got a new fight booked.
The MMA legend will take on Tim Boetsch at UFC Fight Night: Cormier vs. Bader on June 6 in New Orleans, it was reported Friday after UFC 184 weigh-ins on FOX Sports 1. Also added to the card was a big heavyweight fight between ranked competitors Ben Rothwell and Matt Mitrione.
It is not yet determined whether one of those bouts will act as the night’s co-main event, per UFC senior vice president of public relations Dave Sholler.
Henderson (30-13) is coming off a knockout loss to Gegard Mousasi in just 70 seconds at UFC on FOX 14 on Jan. 24. In all, “Hendo” has lost five of his last six bouts, but all have come against elite competition at light heavyweight and middleweight. The 44-year-old former Strikeforce and PRIDE champion shot down any thoughts about retirement at the UFC on FOX 14 post-fight press conference.
Boetsch (18-8), a study, durable 185-pounder, doesn’t have the big name of Henderson’s past opponents, but will provide a test. He has lost two of his last three bouts and is coming off a defeat against Thales Leites at UFC 183 last month. Boetsch, 34, owns wins over notables like Hector Lombard, Yushin Okami and C.B. Dollaway in his career.
As for the heavyweights, Rothwell (34-9) has won two straight, including a first-round knockout of Alistair Overeem in September. Mitrione (9-3) is one of the hottest fighters in the division, winning three straight bouts by first-round TKO, the latest Gabriel Gonzaga at UFC on FOX 13 in December.
Joe Proctor vs. Justin Edwards was also announced as part of the slate Friday.
UFC Fight Night 68 is headlined by a light heavyweight contender bout between Daniel Cormier and Ryan Bader. The card will take place at the Smoothie King Center.