Having dropped four of his last five matches at Light Heavyweight, timeless Dan Henderson, 44, returned to Middleweight for the first time in five years tonight (Sat., Jan. 24, 2015) against Gegard Mousasi in the co-main event of UFC on FOX 14, which took place inside Tele2 Arena in Stockholm, Sweden.
Looking to avoid back-to-back losses for the first time in his professional mixed martial arts (MMA) career, Mousasi was also motivated to get back in the win column, but only one of them could stake that claim.
In the end, it was Mousasi thanks to a quick first round finish, one that Henderson vehemently disputed the moment referee Leon Roberts stopped the fight.
It's no secret that Henderson looked to land his "H-Bomb" early, while Mousasi maneuvered to avoid it at all costs. Mousasi came out using his legs to keep Henderson at distance as he kept his right fist glued to his chin, ready to let loose. He faked it, then went for a takedown, but Mousasi caught him with a right hand to the back of the head as Henderson plowed forward.
Henderson wobbled and fell into the cage, where Mousasi landed several strikes. Henderson was clearly hurt, but was moving to avoid additional damage, but the referee had apparently seen enough and called off the action little more than one minute into the bout.
Mousasi notched a first round technical knockout of a man who was once considered the most durable in the sport. It might have been a bit premature, but there is no disputing that Henderson's best days are well behind him at this advanced stage of his career.
For complete UFC on FOX 14 results, including play-by-play updates, click here.