Tonight’s (Sat., October 8, 2016) UFC 204 pay-per-view (PPV) event is in the books from Manchester Arena in Manchester, England. In the main event, home favorite middleweight champion Michael Bisping beat longtime rival Dan Henderson by a close decision after getting rocked twice to settle their feud once and for all. Rising middleweight contender Gegard Mousasi stalked
Tonight’s (Sat., October 8, 2016) UFC 204 pay-per-view (PPV) event is in the books from Manchester Arena in Manchester, England.
In the main event, home favorite middleweight champion Michael Bisping beat longtime rival Dan Henderson by a close decision after getting rocked twice to settle their feud once and for all. Rising middleweight contender Gegard Mousasi stalked and stopped Vitor Belfort in the co-main event.
Join LowKick MMA for the event’s post-fight press conference starting shortly after the main card:
The clock is ticking on Dan Henderson’s fighting career, and the countdown to UFC 204 in Manchester, England, is underway.
Saturday night’s main event between Henderson and UFC middleweight champion Michael Bisping has been in the making for seven year…
The clock is ticking on Dan Henderson‘s fighting career, and the countdown to UFC 204 in Manchester, England, is underway.
Saturday night’s main event between Henderson and UFC middleweight champion Michael Bisping has been in the making for seven years, ever since Henderson brutally knocked out Bisping in UFC 100 back in 2009. Having said that, neither Henderson nor Bisping is the same type of fighter he was back then.
This is revenge for Bisping. After winning the title at UFC 199 earlier this year with a first-round knockout of Luke Rockhold, The Count will defend his world title for the first time against his nemesis, Henderson, who will retire after the bout.
Bisping is the better overall fighter—no one can dispute that at this stage of Henderson’s career. The British fighter’s cardio, striking, speed, footwork and kicks are superior to that of Henderson, and on paper, Bisping should probably close this fight inside of the first two rounds.
But no one can overlook Henderson’s power. After all, they don’t call his wicked right hand the H-Bomb for no reason.
Bisping’s keys to victory
Bisping has to be careful he doesn’t come out of the gates too hot in the first round, or Hendo will catch him. It’s hard to imagine Henderson, at the age of 46, going more than three rounds at the most, so he will likely be waiting to swing an overhand right at Bisping’s jaw to back him up against the cage and get the finish.
This fight will not go five rounds, barring some unforeseen miracle where Bisping is too hesitant to go toe-to-toe with Henderson. That’s unlikely since Bisping loves to control the tempo of the fight and harass his opponent.
Bisping will defeat Henderson if he focuses on Octagon control and is careful with his striking. Look for the champ to throw a lot of kicks to disrupt Henderson’s timing because the American is the type of striker who needs only one opening to change the outcome of a fight.
With the exception of Mark Hunt, nobody can match Henderson’s knockout power.
Henderson’s keys to victory
Henderson will not outwork Bisping in this fight, but he does have the experience and intelligence in the Octagon to know when to strike.
Realistically, Henderson’s only shot at defeating Bisping and earning the UFC middleweight title is by knockout, so let the head-hunting begin. There is no pressure on the former Olympic wrestler, who already has his eyes set on hanging up his gloves after this fight, so what does he have to lose?
Henderson can win this fight and go 2-0 over Bisping if he survives the early storm of strikes and counters effectively. Uppercuts, hooks and straight punches will keep Bisping modest. The Brit will look to take the action to Henderson, so it might not be a bad idea for the American to drag the action to the mat in order to take the home crowd out of the fight and steal the momentum away from Bisping.
This fight will be a chess match, and the more patient fighter will prevail.
A rivalry that has been stewing for over seven years – at least for Michael Bisping – will finally come to a conclusion when “The Count” meets Dan Henderson for the middleweight title in the main event of tomorrow night’s (Sat., October 8, 2016) UFC 204 from Manchester Arena in Manchester, England. Having knocked out
A rivalry that has been stewing for over seven years – at least for Michael Bisping – will finally come to a conclusion when “The Count” meets Dan Henderson for the middleweight title in the main event of tomorrow night’s (Sat., October 8, 2016) UFC 204 from Manchester Arena in Manchester, England.
Having knocked out Bisping with quite possibly the most famous one-punch KO in MMA history, aging legend ‘Hendo’ didn’t seem to care at all about a rematch with his British counterpart; that is, until Bisping shockingly won the belt by knocking out Luke Rockhold earlier this year. That meant the brash talker was in possession of the only major MMA title to elude Henderson, an official UFC belt. The 46-year-old was suddenly (and understandably) interested in the one fight “The Count” wished he could get back.
We’ll see what transpires at this stage in the game.
In the co-main event, Gegard Mousasi will take on another aging legend in Vitor Belfort for a top spot at 185 pounds. All told, it promises to be a pivotal night for the direction of the middleweight division. Find out who we picked to win the main bouts:
Michael Bisping vs. Dan Henderson:
Mike Drahota:
The main event in Manchester certainly eschews anything even remotely close to adherence to the ‘official’ rankings, something that’s drawn the collective ire of the most of MMA’s fanbase since it was teased and announced. But it should be a fun one where many fans hope “Hendo” can recapture the magic of UFC 100 by knocking out “The Count’s” lights again.
Yet like most I’ve seen so far, I don’t think that’s going to happen here. Following his impressive, title sealing win over Luke Rockhold, Bisping rates a deserving -227 favorite over “Dangerous Dan,” who is a +192 dog according to BigOnSports.com. I think the 46-year-old will struggle to keep up with this new, and apparently best, form of Bisping, outlasting with a combination of volume striking and unrelenting pace.
Of course there’s always a chance for that “H-Bomb,” but I think “The Count” gets the finish and his revenge, which is rough considering we’ll never get to see MMA legend Henderson finally win the one title that’s eluded him if he does. Bisping by third round TKO is my pick.
Rory Kernaghan:
The difference between Bisping and Henderson compared to when they first fought is vast. In the past seven years I think ‘The Count’ has improved greatly; ‘Hendo’ however has began feeling the effects of a near 20-year career. No longer is he impossible to knock out, and Henderson’s recent record is riddled with brutal losses.
It would be foolish to say an upset win is not possible, but I see it as highly unlikely. Bisping is on fire right now, has revenge on his mind, and is also on home soil. I like his footwork and of course his combinations, but ‘The Count’ has really started setting for his shots now. I see a knockout in round one, but it will be Michael Bisping who has his hand raised.
Mike Henken:
When it comes to the main event, it’s a pretty easy pick for me, as I see Bisping getting the job done. In my opinion, Henderson’s only chance to win is if he can land his patented right hand once again. I expect the champion to use his speed and movement to avoid the big shots, however, while landing combinations of his own. “The Count” should also have the cardio advantage, and if he can wear Henderson down, he may be able to find a finish. Bisping by third round TKO.
Gegard Mousasi vs. Vitor Belfort:
Mike Drahota:
It’s cliché to see we’re no longer seeing the wrecking machine Vitor Belfort was just a few short years ago (although it seems like a lot longer), but it’s simply true. Chris Weidman and Ronaldo Souza destroyed him, and his only win in nearly three years ironically comes over Dan Henderson, whom he’s knocked out twice. Befort has looked out of sorts in the post-TRT era, and he’s a deserving +267 underdog at UFC 204. On the other hand, -328 favorite Mousasi looks like a man possessed as he attempts to wash himself of his disappointing knockout loss to Uriah Hall next year. He came guns blazing at UFC 200 and knocked out Thiago Santos in highlight reel fashion, and I think he’ll use his better all-around game to do just that to ‘The Phenom.’ Mousasi by second round knockout.
Rory Kernaghan:
Gegard Mousasi faces a shell of Vitor Belfort at UFC 204. ‘The Phenom’ is so far past his prime it’s almost hard to watch, but similar to the main event of the evening, there’s always a puncher’s chance. That said, against such a technically sound striker like ‘The Dreamcatcher’ that puncher’s chance is diminished greatly. I can’t see any way for Belfort to get the win here, and I’m predicting that Mousasi will be rampant and aggressive in his approach. Mousasi by TKO round one.
Mike Henken:
A few years back, Belfort was one of the most feared men in the division. His striking has typically been explosive and powerful, and his speed has always been second to none. I also always felt as if his ground game was underrated. However, he has lost two of his last three bouts, and has appeared to be declining. Mousasi, on the other hand, has only been picking up steam as of late, winning four of his last five bouts. His decorated kickboxing background and slick submission game should launch him towards a victory here, as I simply feel as if he’s the fresher fighter. Mousasi by first round TKO.
With just a few days to go before Michael Bisping defends his middleweight title against Dan Henderson, it’s about time we all refresh ourselves on why many MMA fans are hoping Henderson will re-create his UFC 100 super-starching of “The Count.” From his antics on TUF to his past mistakes like spitting on a downed opponent’s corner to
With just a few days to go before Michael Bisping defends his middleweight title against Dan Henderson, it’s about time we all refresh ourselves on why many MMA fans are hoping Henderson will re-create his UFC 100 super-starching of “The Count.”
From his antics on TUF to his past mistakes like spitting on a downed opponent’s corner to his reputation for being outspoken with his many opinions, Bisping is an easy target to be cast as a villain, especially in contrast to quintessential good-guy Henderson. He seems to be a good family man and quite a nice guy off camera, but he’s been painted in quite the villainous light on it. So it may not be all that hard to see why rooting for Henderson seems to feel so natural for so many MMA fans.
Nonetheless, we’ve singled out the most polarizing moments and will examine them here, with three for each side of the argument.
Three Reasons Fans Want Pull For Henderson
3. He’s Fought Everyone, Everywhere For Nearly 20 Years
At age 46, Henderson will be stepping into the Octagon for his 47th career fight. Of those battles he has won 32 with 18 finishes, including some of the most exciting knockouts in MMA history. In such a long-spanning career Henderson has faced some defeats. However, looking back on his record, the vast majority of his losses are to former champs and absolute legends.
He held two belts in Pride, was the last Light Heavyweight Champion of Strikeforce, and now has the opportunity to capture the one belt that has eluded him. It’s only fitting that a pioneer who has provided us with so many highlight-reel finishes in MMA’s modern-era and jaw-dropping memories from years past finds himself in a position to close out his career with a title shot against one of the sport’s most outspoken villains.
At a recent UFC 204 gym day, former Strikeforce light heavyweight champion Dan Henderson was called out by longtime foe Michael “The Count” Bisping. Bisping, the current middleweight champion, made several accusations that Henderson hasn’t always been a clean fighter. “The Count” has been very persistent in slandering Henderson’s name every chance he gets, constantly
At a recent UFC 204 gym day, former Strikeforce light heavyweight champion Dan Henderson was called out by longtime foe Michael “The Count” Bisping. Bisping, the current middleweight champion, made several accusations that Henderson hasn’t always been a clean fighter.
“The Count” has been very persistent in slandering Henderson’s name every chance he gets, constantly slamming him about using testosterone-replacement therapy (TRT), which at the time was legal when accompanied by a therapeutic use exemption (TUE), but has been banned altogether by athletic commissions since 2014.
However, from a technical point of view, a fighter using TRT, even when it was deemed legal, should have only been doing so with a TUE if it were essential to their ability to keep fighting. After the banning of TRT, not one fighter who was taking the substance at the time retired, only leaving one to imagine that the fighters were taking advantage of the system.
When questioned about this, Henderson made the following remarks via MMA Fighting:
“I think he’s a little bit naive about certain things,” said Henderson, who challenges for Bisping’s middleweight title in the main event of UFC 204. “I was taking TRT when it was legal and really wasn’t taking much. That’s why I think it’s funny. I think his body has changed more since we fought the first time than mine has. He looks a lot bigger and a lot different now than he did then. I look about the same except for maybe a little grayer here and there.“
Henderson, now 46, does not consider himself someone who used to game the system, just a person who was abiding by the rules that were set in place. Although Henderson has been a user of TRT, he has been a long advocate of increased drug testing in mixed martial arts, and says he is in favor of USADA’s partnership with the UFC, comparing it to the Olympic testing when he was wrestling.
Henderson would later add:
“I don’t care what he says,” Henderson said of Bisping. “It doesn’t matter to me. I know, in my mind, who I am and how I’ve been throughout the years. I never tested positive for anything.”I’m the one guy that’s probably been asking for this type of drug-testing for probably five or six years before they started it.”
The statements above sent “The Count” into a rage. He wasn’t having any of it:
“Dan Henderson, you were on TRT,” a disgruntled Bisping said at the gym day. “You were the godfather of TRT. Shame on you. This is the guy that says he needed TRT to be able to compete. Yet years later, he’s still competing. This guy is a marvel to modern science. Perhaps if you take his blood, we can find the cure for cancer. Because this guy is an anomaly.”
Henderson also stated how Bisping’s body looked vaguely different, saying that Bisping looked much bigger, and very different, as opposed to the previous bout between the two.
Bisping immediately snapped back saying:
“Yeah, through blood, sweat, and tears and hard work,” Bisping said. “Dan Henderson saying that just shows what a moron he is. Take one look at Dan Henderson, you can see there’s not much going on in between there. Captain Caveman. Fred Flintstones. Whatever you want to call it. You can see he is a throwback to the Neanderthal man.
“For him to throw out insinuations like that, shame on you Dan Henderson. I’ve been tested more times than anybody — I don’t know if that’s accurate, but i’m still gonna do a Chael Sonnen and say that — I’ve been tested more times than anybody, I’ve never even come close. Not even a whistle. Not even a hint of suspicion in any of my tests. You can test my blood right now. I will piss in any cup you want.”
Bisping finally struck gold, capturing the UFC middleweight championship, something that has eluded him for the greater part of his career, by defeating former UFC middleweight champion Luke Rockhold at UFC 199 by TKO under two minutes into the first round.
“The Count” will now have his chance at redemption, as he’s scheduled to defend his belt for the first time against a challenger he’s fought before, Dan Henderson. In their first meeting at UFC 100, Henderson got the best of Bisping in the second round, catching him with a lethal right hand that is now known as one of the most spectacular knock outs in the history of the sport, and something that has haunted Bisping his whole career.
Bisping has desired his chance to right that wrong, and at UFC 204, right next to his hometown, “The Count” will get a chance to do just that when he squares off against Dan Henderson, live in Manchester, England, October 8th, 2016.
The MMA world has its collective sights focused on this Saturday’s (October 8, 2016) UFC 204 from Manchester Arena in Manchester, England and its pivotal middleweight championship main event featuring native son Michael Bisping and longtime rival Dan Henderson. Their backstory is possibly one of MMA’s most legendary, as “Hendo” knocked out Bisping with probably the
The MMA world has its collective sights focused on this Saturday’s (October 8, 2016) UFC 204 from Manchester Arena in Manchester, England and its pivotal middleweight championship main event featuring native son Michael Bisping and longtime rival Dan Henderson.
Their backstory is possibly one of MMA’s most legendary, as “Hendo” knocked out Bisping with probably the most aired one-punch knockout in UFC history when he demolished “The Count” with his infamous overhand right at 2009’s historic UFC 100 following a long and heated stint as opposing coaches on The Ultimate Fighter (TUF).
A lot has happened since then, as the 46-year-old ‘Hendo,’ despite his recent amazing win over former Bellator champion Hector Lombard, has still lost six of his last nine bouts, including three by knockout. Bisping, on the other hand, is at the top of his game at 37 years old, having finally captured the elusive title belt with a shocking upset over a heavily favored Luke Rockhold at UFC 199.
It all makes for quite the interesting main event in Manchester. Who are you picking to win?
The clock is ticking on 
3. He’s Fought Everyone, Everywhere For Nearly 20 Years
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