Author: Mike Hodges

Win or Lose, Dan Henderson Will Be in the UFC Hall of Fame

Dan Henderson’s career credentials have unquestionably earned him a spot in the UFC Hall of Fame. Much like legendary fighters Matt Hughes and Chuck Liddell, Henderson was one of the pioneers of mixed martial arts and helped revolutionize the spor…

Dan Henderson‘s career credentials have unquestionably earned him a spot in the UFC Hall of Fame. 

Much like legendary fighters Matt Hughes and Chuck Liddell, Henderson was one of the pioneers of mixed martial arts and helped revolutionize the sport as it entered into the early part of the decade. 

With a career spanning over 14 years, Henderson is one of the few fighters who has remained consistent throughout his entire career and has had one of the most successful stints in MMA history. 

After earning arguably the biggest victory of his career over Fedor Emelianenko earlier this year, the 41-year-old will make his return to the UFC this weekend to face Mauricio “Shogun” Rua. The former PRIDE FC stars will headline UFC 139. 

Henderson’s upcoming bout with the Brazilian is one of the most anticipated bouts of this year and it is expected the winner will position themselves for a potential title shot in the future. 

Although he is nearing the end his career, a win or a loss to Rua shouldn’t define his overall skills as a fighter, but rather a testament to the quality of competition he has faced. 

Should he get a victory over Rua, it will just be another legendary name added to his impressive resume, while a loss will prevent him from earning a title shot, which he been vocal of receiving upon his return to the company.

Regardless, Henderson will get an induction into the UFC Hall of Fame shortly after he hangs up his four ounce gloves. 

He is one of the greatest fighters of all-time and his accomplishments and accolades grant him the opportunity to be included in the prestigious Hall of Fame with other legendary fighters.

Read more MMA news on BleacherReport.com

Ben Henderson Excited for Title Bout With Frankie Edgar

Following his impressive victory over Clay Guida, Benson Henderson has now positioned himself into a title bout with current champion Frankie Edgar. It was confirmed that Henderson and Edgar would meet in the main event at UFC 144 in February 2012…

Following his impressive victory over Clay Guida, Benson Henderson has now positioned himself into a title bout with current champion Frankie Edgar. 

It was confirmed that Henderson and Edgar would meet in the main event at UFC 144 in February 2012, when the UFC returns to Japan. When asked about the potential matchup, Henderson said he is excited to face the champion and he is confident in his abilities to walk away with the victory, and the UFC lightweight title.

“I think it’s a great matchup,” Henderson told reporters during the post-fight press conference. “With Frankie, I think I match up very well, I just have to stick to the gameplan, do a little bit better job of that. But, I’m very excited for that, Frankie and I are going to put on a great show.”

Henderson’s bout with Guida turned out to be a fast-paced, competitive bout that has earned “Fight of the Year” honours. The victory over Guida has given Henderson his third consecutive win and he remains undefeated inside the Octagon. 

Henderson will challenge Edgar at UFC 144, which will take place at the Saitama Super Arena in Saitama, Japan. 

Read more MMA news on BleacherReport.com

UFC on FOX Predictions: Which Fighter Has More To Lose?

As we get closer to the witnessing Cain Velasquez and Junior dos Santos be a part of history this weekend, both competitors will have the spotlight shining directly on them. For the champion, it is about continuing his dominance and remaining at the to…

As we get closer to the witnessing Cain Velasquez and Junior dos Santos be a part of history this weekend, both competitors will have the spotlight shining directly on them. For the champion, it is about continuing his dominance and remaining at the top of the division, and considering his circumstances, that’s a tough task to achieve. 

Velasquez will be making his return to the Octagon after a nearly a year of being sidelined with a torn rotator cuff, which he suffered during his bout with Brock Lesnar at UFC 122. Historically, fighters aren’t always in true form after returning from an injury, and even more so, Velasquez’s injury is much more difficult to recover from. 

While the betting lines suggest Velasquez has a slight advantage over dos Santos, it is isn’t significantly a huge advantage due to how evenly matched both competitors are. 

As he prepares to face one of the most devastating strikers in the UFC, Velasquez will have his hands full. Dos Santos is renowned for his technical, precise boxing and has finished the last five of his seven opponents. 

The UFC is investing a lot of their time and money in promoting Velasquez as a dominant champion, but his value could take a considerable hit should he lose to the heavy-handed Brazilian on Saturday night. He might still remain relevant in the title picture, however. If he is to lose in such dominating fashion, Velasquez could find himself a few wins away from challenging for the heavyweight crown again.

Again, Velasquez’s stock won’t take a big hit, but after dethroning one of the company’s most dominant champions in Lesnar, it would be a disappointment to see him not succeed.

Read more MMA news on BleacherReport.com

Rodrigo Nogueira Predicts a Knockout Victory for Junior Dos Santos

Although he suffered a loss to Cain Velasquez, Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira is confident  his protege, Junior dos Santos, will bring the heavyweight title back to Brazil this weekend.Having trained the 27-year-old dos Santos prior to his UFC debut and…

Although he suffered a loss to Cain Velasquez, Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira is confident  his protege, Junior dos Santos, will bring the heavyweight title back to Brazil this weekend.

Having trained the 27-year-old dos Santos prior to his UFC debut and helped perfect the Brazilian’s boxing technique, Nogueira has transformed him into the No. 1 heavyweight contender who will stand across from the champion on Saturday night.

In an interview with FightersOnly.co.uk, Nogueira said he has played a prominent role in dos Santos’ preparation for Velasquez. Minotauro predicted Cigano will win via knockout.

“I told him to believe in his game, he must believe in his hands. He has to put on the fight in his time and in his way, not to get into Velasquez’ game,” Nogueira said. “I think Cigano will win with his hands in the third round.”

While he is renowned for possessing the best striking in the heavyweight division, Nogueira said he worked extensively with dos Santos on other areas to be fully prepared for any situation. With each day that has passed by, Nogueira said he noticed dramatic improvements in dos Santos’ game, which he believes will only benefit him during the bout. 

Nogueira believes dos Santos is ready to compete. 

“Each day he improves more,” he said. “I did two sparrings with him and noticed the takedown defence is good, his hands are quick and he is explosive. His experience and confidence are huge each day and he is ready.”

Read more MMA news on BleacherReport.com

Dana White Says Silva vs. Sonnen Is a Fight "Everybody Wants to See"

Whether Anderson Silva likes it or not, he will face Chael Sonnen once again.UFC President Dana White announced the bout earlier this week during a guest appearance on The Jim Rome Show earlier this week. Although he remained quiet about the poten…

Whether Anderson Silva likes it or not, he will face Chael Sonnen once again.

UFC President Dana White announced the bout earlier this week during a guest appearance on The Jim Rome Show earlier this week. Although he remained quiet about the potential bout prior, White said that it’s a fight the fans have demanded for a while. 

“It’s a fight that everybody wants to see, people want to see Chael versus Anderson,” White said.

Sonnen has begged and pleaded for a rematch with the UFC middleweight champion since their last encounter at UFC 117.

While the bout has not been officially finalized, Silva has been reluctant to face Sonnen since then, and has done his best to avoid him, but the outspoken Sonnen has continuously harassed the Brazilian. Although Silva has no interest in a rematch with “The American Gangster,” White assured the champion will ultimately proceed with the bout.

“Anderson feels like he’s been put in this position where he feels like this guys has been so disrespectful that he doesn’t want to give him a shot and everything else, but Anderson will end up fighting Chael Sonnen,” he said. 

Silva and Sonnen met at UFC 117 that saw the Brazilian dominated for a majority of the bout until he submitted his opponent in the fifth round. “The Spider” has not been cleared to fight as he is currently nursing an injury. 

It is expected that Silva and Sonnen will meet in 2012. 

Read more MMA news on BleacherReport.com

Anderson Silva: Is "The Spider" Avoiding Bigger Fights at 205 Pounds?

While he has dominated the UFC middleweight division for nearly five years, UFC middleweight champion Anderson Silva has been one of the most successful fighters in mixed martial arts history, maybe too successful. With every victory he adds to hi…

While he has dominated the UFC middleweight division for nearly five years, UFC middleweight champion Anderson Silva has been one of the most successful fighters in mixed martial arts history, maybe too successful. 

With every victory he adds to his record, Silva implements creative striking and flawless technique into his dynamic arsenal, complimenting his dangerous Muay Thai and ultimately cementing his status as the sport’s best pound-for-pound fighter. 

As the Brazilian continues to prolong his career, and his winning streak, the overall competition he faces is not necessarily going to benefit his legacy over time while he remains in the 185-pound division. Realistically, the only formidable challenge that is left for the champion is a rematch with Chael Sonnen. 

Despite the out-cry for a move to the light heavyweight division, Silva has refused to accept a bout with any of the contenders who are capable of giving him a competitive fight, including Jon Jones, who he considers a close friend.

It became apparent that Silva’s skill-set was vastly superior to his competition at 185 pounds, but it was more noticeable that he had the skill and talent to compete with some of the elite competitors at 205 pounds following his one-sided victory over Forrest Griffin at UFC 117. 

However, Silva was reluctant to make the transition, and in turn, settled to face lesser competition. 

Silva’s decision has frustrated fans and has left them feeling uncertain about what the future holds for “The Spider,” who continues to hold the middleweight division hostage at his own expense.

The idea of scheduling a super-fight between Silva and Georges St-Pierre appears to interest the Brazilian, but negotiations continue to be off and on. And with the champion unwillingly showing no interest in moving up to test his skills against more suitable challengers, fans are left scratching their heads in disbelief. 

Although Silva has requested he wants bigger fights, there are no bigger fights than in the light heavyweight division. Whatever his reasoning for not making the move to 205 pounds, Silva will continue to demonstrate his abilities wherever he decides to compete. 

But if Silva chooses to remain in a division, where his opponents are clearly overmatched, his bouts will continue to lack any appeal or interest from fans, and he will be seen as being one of the most underachieving talents in the history of mixed martial arts.

Read more MMA news on BleacherReport.com