UFC middleweight champion Michael Bisping will finally get the chance to avenge one of the most disappointing losses of his career at UFC 204 on Saturday, as he takes on veteran Dan Henderson with the middleweight strap on the line.
The two met at UFC 100 in 2009, when Henderson delivered one of the most stunning knockouts in MMA history in the second round. Here's a look at that bout, via the UFC's official YouTube channel:
Bisping has since pushed himself to the top of the middleweight division, however, winning the title with a spectacular knockout of his own against Luke Rockhold at UFC 199.
Here's a look at some of the key info ahead of Saturday's main event.
Weigh-In Info: Bisping: 185 pounds, Henderson: 184 pounds
Odds: Odds Shark has Bisping (2-5) as the favourite over Henderson (39-20).
Venue: Manchester Arena, Manchester, England
Here's a look at the weigh-in, via the UFC's official Twitter account:
For the middleweight belt!! ???? @bisping vs. @danhendo ???? at #UFC204 tomorrow!! https://t.co/7aJYF97YbB
— #UFC204 (@UFCEurope) October 7, 2016
Bisping enters Saturday's bout on a four-fight win streak and in the best form of his life, setting the stage for a successful first title defence. The 37-year-old is as confident as ever, as he should be after posting recent victories over Rockhold and Anderson Silva.
Facing him in his first title defence will be Henderson, who has lost three of his last five fights, all within the distance, and looks as if his age is finally catching up with him.
The 46-year-old still has a solid chin and some of the best raw power in the middleweight division. He's a knockout specialist who does a good job of cutting off the Octagon and forcing opponents into the path of his thunderous right hook. As Bisping told the Fight Society podcast (h/t Fox Sports' Damon Martin) recently, he is aware of that one-shot power:
In that first fight, I believe I was the better striker. I believe I was faster and younger and all these things and that's still the case now. I'm definitely faster, I'm definitely a better striker, I think I've got a more well-rounded skill set, but that doesn't matter. It only takes one and Dan was able to land that shot.
That's what makes Dan dangerous in this fight. He knows he has the knockout power and he knows it only takes one and he knows he's done it before. Win or lose, he's going to retire after this fight so he's got nothing to lose.
Henderson has a chance to make UFC history by becoming the oldest competitor to win a title, but he'll face a stiff challenge against Bisping. The hometown hero has improved compared to their first fight, and there's a reason he's the current champion.
While he might not have Henderson's raw power, he does a great job of breaking down fighters and can knock out the best of them if he finds an opening?just ask Rockhold. Bisping's footwork is what sets him apart, and he should have success darting in and out of the reach of Henderson.
He's also become a far more intelligent fighter?at UFC 100, he made the mistake of ducking to the left to avoid Henderson's jab, which ultimately set up the huge right hand that ended the fight.
Bisping no longer makes mistakes like that, and while he will be determined to stop his opponent in front of the home crowd, he'll know Henderson lacks the stamina to outwork him over the course of a full fight and win a decision.
MMA writer Alan Murphy believes in the veteran's chances, though:
If Bisping can beat Rockhold then it is not outrageous to think Hendo can beat Bisping. #UFC204
— Alan Murphy (@AlanMurphyMMA) October 7, 2016
If Bisping doesn't try to do too much in front of his own fans and open himself up to a big shot, he should break down Henderson over the course of the first two rounds or find his opening even sooner.
Patience will be key, and Bisping may be more interested in putting on a show and trading with his rival, but if he keeps his nerves, he should defend his title successfully.
Prediction: Bisping by stoppage
