In mixed martial arts, as with any major sport, there comes a time when the “old guard” eventually gets replaced by the “new blood.” In MMA the fighters that stick around for extended periods of time are often pummeled out the door in fashions that aren’t pleasant to watch. However, some individuals buck the trend and continue performing at a high level years past the time that many believe they would no longer do so. Dan Henderson and Vitor Belfort are two such examples, fighters who continue to give fight fans new memories while being heralded for those of the past.
When Belfort and Henderson step into the Octagon in the main event of UFC Fight Night 32, it will be for a rematch that has been a long time in the making. Seven years ago these two competitors stepped into a Pride ring for a bout that saw Henderson get his hand raised. In the time since that matchup, they have both seen their fair share of success, but in addition to excitement, this rematch also comes with its own set of questions.
The excitement comes from a rematch between these two legends, who are known for finishing opponents. Between the two of them, Belfort and Henderson have 34 finishes, 29 of which have come by knockout. The hope by fans that this fight could end by a knockout for either fighter could easily be realized when the night is over.
However, there also are numerous questions that will accompany these athletes into the bout.
Belfort goes into this fight with everything to lose. He’s only lost twice since returning to the Octagon in 2009, and both of those losses were to champions in Jon Jones and Anderson Silva. Other than those two bouts he’s finished anyone that’s been placed in in front of him, and should be considered a top contender in the middleweight division. In fact, Dana White has said that as of now, he is the #1 contender to that title. However, this would not be the first time the UFC has reneged on granting a fighter a title opportunity, so though we expect that he’ll get a title shot with a victory, one can never truly know what direction UFC matchmakers have in mind for their roster.
The next question is what’s next for Henderson with either a win or a defeat. He’s suffered two very close and controversial losses in the past year. “Hendo” shouldn’t worry about being cut from the promotion if he is defeated tonight, but at 43 years of age and considered one of the best fighters of all time, what else would be left for the eventual Hall of Famer? A victory would keep him in the top ten of the weight class at light heavyweight, but how many more fights would he have to win in order to leapfrog some of the guys that currently outrank him at 205? Time is not on Henderson’s side, and Belfort is a very dangerous opponent at any stage in a fighter’s career.
The main event of tonight’s bout will shake up the middleweight division no matter which fighter comes out the victor. Belfort is one win away from earning a title shot, while Henderson is looking to remain relevant at this point. That alone is more than enough reason to watch this bout.
• Vitor Belfort vs. Dan Henderson
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UFC Fight Night 32: Belfort vs. Henderson 2 is due to take place on November 9, 2013 at Goiania Arena in Goiania, Goias, Brazil.
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