This was never supposed to be the main event of the show, as UFC 161 was originally dubbed "Barao vs. Wineland" and featured a bantamweight championship showdown pitting the seemingly unstoppable Renan Barao against veteran former king of the 135-pound mountain, Eddie Wineland.
Instead, when the world's largest fight promotion goes rolling into the MTS Centre in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada, later on this evening (Sat., June 15, 2013), it will do so with UFC 161: "Evans vs. Henderson," featuring Rashad Evans desperately trying to get back in the win column against Dan Henderson, himself seeking to get back to that number one contender spot he choked away in a decision loss to Lyoto Machida just a few months ago.
Evans could be on his way down to 185-pounds with a loss while "Hendo" would find himself in No Man's Land in a hurry. His track record is enough to keep him around, sure, but there has to be a sense of urgency with both fighters, both deep into their respective careers and running out of chances to earn a shot at the light heavyweight title.
Or any title, for that matter.
We'll see who still has some magic left later tonight. God forbid it's a stinker.
For more on the upcoming UFC 161 be sure to check out our complete event archive right here.
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