Hendo Looking to Fight Again Soon

Mamba · Sep 11, 2008

Had it not been for Dan Henderson ending a two-fight losing streaking in Atlanta this past weekend, some fans may be talking retirement for the Team Quest fighter.

But, at 38 years old, Henderson has thrust himself back into title contention and rejuvenated his career with a victory over the very dangerous Rousimar Palhares.

On Tuesday’s edition of TAGG Radio (www.taggradio.com), the official content partner of MMAjunkie.com (www.mmajunkie.com), Henderson discussed the victory, whether he plans to remain at 185 pounds, and when he may fight again.

As for his victory—his first in 19 months—Henderson admits he had to proceed with caution.

“I didn’t want to go on the ground that much,” said Henderson, who successfully avoided most of his opponent’s takedown attempts. “I expected to go to the ground once or twice.”

“I didn’t panic. I felt like I knew exactly what he was going to do. At no time did I feel in any danger.”

Henderson ultimately scored a unanimous-decision victory. And though he would have preferred a stoppage, Henderson knew Palhares and his ground skills would make that difficult.

“Style match up with this guy, I knew he wanted to take me down the whole time,” Henderson said. “So I knew it would be hard to tee off.”

Although a win over the BTT product should propel “Hendo” up the middleweight rankings, it’s unclear whether he even intends to remain at the weight class. Having made a career moving between the 205- and 185-pound weight classes, Henderson said the decision will depend on future opportunities.

“I told Joe Silva I wanted to stay at 185 because I wanted another shot at (current UFC middleweight champion Anderson) Silva,” said Henderson, who suffered a second-round submission loss to Silva back in March. “I don’t want to stay down there if I am not guaranteed a title shot.”

The former PRIDE two-weight champion said there’s advantage to fight at 205 pounds.

“I have way more fun not cutting weight,” he joked.

Aside from a small injury sustained to his hand, Henderson escaped his recent fight relatively unscathed. With the UFC aiming to host a few major cards before year’s end, he discussed his desire to have one more bout in 2008.

“I would love to fight again—maybe at the big end-of-the-year show,” Henderson said. “I will be ready to go. (I’m) back to training in a couple of weeks.”

To hear the full interview, in which Henderson candidly discusses Palhares’ forehead and vast amount of body hair, download Tuesday’s edition of TAGG Radio, available for free in the TAGG Radio archives.

This story, written by Kieran Malone, was produced by TAGG Radio (www.taggradio.com) specially for MMAjunkie.com (www.mmajunkie.com). The show—which is hosted by fighter/broadcaster Frank Trigg, Gorgeous George and ace producer Goze—books some of the biggest names in MMA. Download all the former episodes at www.taggradio.com, or tune into TAGG Radio’s live shows Monday-Friday at noon ET/9 a.m. PT.
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This NYE card could be STACKED. Big Nog/Mir, Shogun/Machida (rumored), Griffin/Evans, and now Hendo might be on the card? Henderson/Marquardt ?

speeds · Sep 11, 2008

Marquardt is a good match-up. When is Okami coming back?

Hendo should only be fighting top 185-lbs fighters. There isn't a lot left for him in the division, though.

Mamba · Sep 11, 2008

Isn't Okami out for the year?

I'd like to see Hendo fight at both weight classes. I think with his age, fighting at 205 would benefit him more with increased stamina. He looked winded against Palhares after the fight. When you're 38, cutting weight isn't as easy as it used to be. There are some exciting match-ups @ 205 and @ 185. Maybe I'm a homer, but I do want to see him rematch Silva, as well.

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Hendo Looking to Fight Again Soon

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Hendo Looking to Fight Again Soon

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speeds $2.50 highball, $1.50 beer Staff Member Administrator GFX Team

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