Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) Light Heavyweight Dan Henderson knows a thing or two about fighting former 185-pound titleholder Anderson Silva.
That's because "Hendo" went to war against "The Spider" in the main event of UFC 82 way back in 2008, winning the first round on the judges' scorecards before getting choked out in the second stanza. While he doesn't need a rematch over the Brazilian to redeem himself (his words), it sounds like there was at least some pleasure in watching Silva fall to Chris Weidman at UFC 162 back in July.
"Anybody that disrespects their opponent in the middle of a fight by showboating, or just acting like the guy doesn't have any skills to beat you, like Anderson was doing at the time when he got knocked out ... a lot of fans -- myself included -- aren't real disappointed to see him get knocked out. I just wish he would have done that kind of thing when I fought him."
The "new Anderson" has a chance to cleanse himself in the main event of UFC 168, which takes place on Dec. 28, 2013 at MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada. If "The Spider" can reclaim his title and avoid an immediate trilogy, there will be plenty of contenders ready to go.
Henderson included.
The former Olympian hasn't seen the 185-pound weight class since coming up lame in his Strikeforce debut, a five-round decision loss to Jake Shields in Nashville back in 2010. Since then, "Hendo" has been doing work at 205 pounds, with mixed results, but did offer to drop back down for a crack at the crown.
Assuming Vitor Belfort doesn't beat him to the punch -- literally -- at UFC Fight Night 32.