Apparently, Team Quest does not have the same disinclination regarding teammate versus teammate fights as some of the other more prominent fight camps in MMA.
In an interview with Brazilian news outlet Tatame, Team Quest’s Dan Henderson talked about the possibility of fighting his training partner, Chael Sonnen.
We’re friends, but above all we fight now in the same category and therefore have the same goal. We both compete for the same belt.
Our friendship is more than a title and we are professional enough to let the rivalry be just inside the Octagon. It would be a different situation, but our profession in this type of situation is quite possible to happen.
Henderson was forced out of a title fight in September due to an injury, and he will now meet Lyoto Machida at UFC 157. It’s a likely title eliminator, as Machida was offered the opportunity to fill in for Henderson at the ill-fated UFC 151 pay-per-view.
Sonnen is currently training for a title shot against Jon Jones. The fight takes place after the two conclude filming the 17th season of The Ultimate Fighter.
Ironically, when Hendo pulled out of the fight with Jones, Sonnen was the only man in the UFC who was campaigning to step in against the champion on short notice. Despite Jones turning the fight down, it was Sonnen—not Henderson—who was booked for the next title defense.
Hendo took exception to the booking and unleashed his frustration on Twitter.
I guess I should just quit training to win fights and to be exciting for the fans and just go to shit talking school. @danawhite
— Dan Henderson (@danhendo) October 17, 2012
Henderson was the Strikeforce light heavyweight champion upon re-entering the UFC. Considering that he debuted with a Fight of the Year victory over Shogun Rua, he is the most deserving title contender in the division.
Perhaps he is hoping that Sonnen dethrones the mighty Jones. After all, he would still get his title fight and the opportunity to teach his teammate a lesson in one fell swoop.
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