Less than one month after a controversial decision loss to Donald Cerrone, Benson Henderson will take a page out of his most recent opponent’s book and return to the Octagon in short order.
It was reported by Ariel Helwani during the UFC 183 weigh-ins on Fox Sports 1 (h/t MMAFighting.com) that Stephen Thompson had been removed from his February 14 main event bout with Brandon Thatch due to a rib injury. With short time to find a replacement opponent for Thatch, a welterweight up-and-comer, UFC matchmakers turned to Henderson.
Always considered one of the larger fighters in the lightweight division, Henderson had been considering a move to 170 pounds for some time before this, and a change in scenery was needed after suffering back-to-back losses. So, Henderson will now test the welterweight waters against a scary striker in Thatch, while simultaneously serving as a veteran test for the rising prospect.
With this unexpected UFC Fight Night 60 main event approaching, here is a look at how Henderson and Thatch match up in all areas.