Ben Henderson vs. Michael Johnson possible for TUF 21 Finale on July 12

Well, it's not welterweight, nor is it UFC 186, but Ben Henderson is still in line for a pretty good scrap.

"Smooth" is currently in negotiations to battle surging lightweight contender Michael Johnson for The Ultimate Fighter (TUF) 21 Finale scheduled for July 12, 2015 in South Florida, at a venue to be determined. That's where TUF 21 is currently filming for "ATT vs. Blackzilians."

MMA Fighting confirmed an earlier report by Duane Finley.

Henderson (22-5) snapped the first two-fight skid of his career by moving up to 170 pounds and choking out welterweight prospect Brandon Thatch. It was his first win inside the Octagon since outclassing Rustam Khabilov last June in Albuquerque.

The competition is only getting harder.

Johnson (18-8) was hot-and-cold following his stint on TUF 12, but has since rattled off four straight wins and appears to look sharper in each successive fight. "The Menace" has been asking for a crack at the crown and upending a former champion is a surefire way to get one.

Solid bout here fight fans ... who ya' got?