Advertisement
Dan Henderson Kamil Krzaczynski/AP/Press Association Images
UFC

Un-caged: Explosive weekend in store for UFC fans

It’s a case of ‘saving the best for last’ as Dan Henderson and former UFC light heavyweight champ Mauricio Rua lock horns. And that’s not all…

NOVEMBER HAS BEEN a very busy month for the UFC with three shows in three weeks, and they have arguably saved the best for last.

It is a tough ask to top the last couple of weeks when they brought a successful show to the UK before almost 5.7 million viewers tuned into their debut on Fox last weekend.

But with a card boasting fighters such as Dan Henderson, Wanderlei Silva and Urijah Faber on it, the organisation are closing out this busy period in spectacular fashion.

Henderson returns to the UFC

Former Strikeforce light heavyweight champion Dan “Hendo” Henderson returns to action inside the Octagon against former UFC light heavyweight champ Mauricio Rua in a matchup that fight fans have been waiting years to see.

The two managed to stay clear of each other when Henderson was plying his trade in the UFC just as “Shogun” was coming to prominence.

After the UFC/Strikeforce merger it was inevitable that we would see the Olympic wrestler return to the Octagon and he faces a rejuvenated Rua fresh off the back off a convincing win over Forrest Griffin.

Just like his predecessor Randy Couture, Dan Henderson has gotten gradually better with age and although he will still look to his trusty right hand to finish the fight, Shogun should be well prepared for that.

Despite his win last time out, you still have the feeling that the Brazilian is haunted by that devastating defeat by Jon Jones and a win over Henderson would bring all the confidence of old back.

Coming off the back of such impressive performances over Fedor and Cacalcante, Hendo is high on confidence and momentum and this should carry him through to a decision victory in a very tough fight.

Hard to pick the best of the rest

In truth, anyone of the fights on the main card would not look out of place as a main event.  Urijah Faber is looking for his third shot at the bantamweight title as he takes on top contender Brian Bowles.

Both men share a common foe in current champ Dominick Cruz and a win for either almost guarantees another shot at him.

Expect a furious pace from the outset as both are extremely well conditioned athletes. There isn’t any real preference to where the fight should take place as both have very similar ground and stand-up games.

With so much on the line, experience could prove crucial and with more top level fights under his belt, Faber is the one to plump for. 

Wand more shot?

Wanderlei Silva and Cung Le face off in a battle of the veterans to see who can still produce the goods inside the Octagon.

Questions were asked of Silva after his last devastating defeat but he has reiterated this week that his is not ready to retire just yet.

I don’t think there is much chance of the fight going to the ground as these fighters have been around long enough to know what they are all about.

The “Axe Murderer” is going to come out swinging and Le is going to come out with wild, heavy, unorthodox kicks. It’s going to be a case of whoever can unload first, will win. It could be a blink and you’ll miss it event.

Keep an eye out for the fight between Martin Kampmann and Rick Story too, as it has all the makings of a barn-burner.

Have you heard about Ireland’s OTHER European Championships bid this week? >

Your Voice
Readers Comments
4
    Submit a report
    Please help us understand how this comment violates our community guidelines.
    Thank you for the feedback
    Your feedback has been sent to our team for review.