Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) middleweights Dan Henderson and Tim Boetsch slugged it out last night (June 6, 2015) at UFC Fight Night 68 inside Smoothie King Center in New Orleans, Louisiana.
This was a hugely important fight for Dan Henderson. While the legendary combatant made it clear that he had no intentions of retiring any time soon, it's questionable whether or not he'd continue to be allowed to compete under UFC's banner without a win here.
In the midst of his own string of mediocre performances, Boetsch also really needed to pull off the victory. Simply put, losing to the 2015-version of Dan Henderson is not a good look, especially since Boetsch has already lost four of his last six. There was definitely a risk of ending up on the chopping block for either man last night.
Your main event, ladies and gentlemen.
Despite the main event lacking in relevance to the Top 10, fans couldn't have asked for a better showcase of Henderson's "H-Bomb."
This one was over before it ever really started. After landing a couple punches, Boetsch hung around too long, as Henderson cracked him with his infamous right hand less than 30 seconds in.
Goodnight "Barbarian."
To watch full fight video highlights of Dan Henderson vs. Tim Boetsch now click here.
As mentioned, this victory has little impact on the division, but it's huge for "Hollywood" Henderson. He has no intention of retiring, and this victory earns him another few fights inside the Octagon.
Hopefully, he ends up in the cage with a few more hittable opponents, because it sure is fun to watch that man level fighters.
This is a tough loss for Boetsch. He's never been a defensive master, but Henderson is more than predictable. Yet, Boetsch found himself with his back on the canvas, staring up at the lights, almost immediately.
In short, Boetsch could have fought smarter. Standing at range with Henderson -- particularly in the first round -- will always be a risky proposition, no matter his decline. Boetsch should've been more aware of his defensive liabilities, and it cost him.
If Boetsch is kept around -- and in fairness, his losing performance against Leites shows he should be -- he needs to take a big step back. Outside of the top 15, a match with someone like Ed Herman would make sense for the "Redneck Judoka."
Last night, Dan Henderson earned a big win in classic "Hendo" fashion. How long can the former Olympian continue to knockout folks?
For complete UFC Fight Night 68 "Henderson vs Boetsch" results and play-by-play, click HERE!