Benson Henderson found his huckleberry.
The former UFC lightweight champion issued an open call to all comers on Tuesday, hoping to step in on two weeks’ notice and help save a UFC 186 card which has been left barren by the removal of Quinton “Rampage” Jackson. And it didn’t take long for past dance partner Jorge Masvidal to respond.
Hey @ufc looks like u guys need some help for #UFC186…I can make 170lbs by then, any takers??? #OpenCall #TheOnceAndFutureKing
— Benson Henderson (@BensonHenderson) April 7, 2015
We were scheduled before lets do it now!! #UFC186 @BensonHenderson @ufc @danawhite @lorenzofertitta
— Jorge Masvidal UFC (@GamebredFighter) April 7, 2015
@GamebredFighter @ufc @danawhite @lorenzofertitta 170lbs??? A lil short for 155 for me… pic.twitter.com/DvnoPWjiNv
— Benson Henderson (@BensonHenderson) April 7, 2015
170 sounds good to me #UFC186 @BensonHenderson @ufc @danawhite @lorenzofertitta
— Jorge Masvidal UFC (@GamebredFighter) April 7, 2015
UFC 186 takes place April 25 at the Bell Centre in Montreal, Canada.
Masvidal (28-9) and Henderson (22-5) were previously slated to meet this past Saturday at UFC Fight Night 63, however injuries and circumstance ultimately led to Henderson stepping in on short notice against blue-chip welterweight prospect Brandon Thatch on Feb. 14 at UFC Fight Night 60.
In a remarkable performance, Henderson submitted the much larger Thatch with a fourth-round rear-naked choke, opening the door for Henderson to make a potential run at welterweight. Masvidal, on the other hand, remained on the April 4 card, dropping a disappointing and controversial decision to Al Iaquinta — though all that disappointment could be alleviated if Henderson and Masvidal get their wishes to fight later this month.