Written by: Adam Conklin | Published in: Fighters
At 41 years old, a fighter should logically be on his way out. Especially after holding multiple titles and wins over just about anyone you can think of. Well Dan Henderson has hit logic with a huge overhand right and sent it into obscurity.
Dan Henderson continues to knockout top flight opponents and put on arguably one of the greatest fights in the history of MMA. He is extremely dangerous and has an incredible chin to go along with his great conditioning and undeniable chin. He has never been stopped by punches and has only been finished in three losses by Anderson Silva and the Nogueiras. All ground wizards capable of submitting any human being.
Now with this ridiculous light-heavyweight title picture, Hendo could realistically be put in line for a title shot as Rashad Evans keeps running on his wheel like a proverbial hamster. Rumors have both stated this as fact and fiction but either way, if not immediate then surely this fight is a strong possibility down the road. Even though it is still just a rumor, many MMA fans are already picking Henderson as a favorite over current champion, Jon Jones. This isn't a ridiculous choice even with the 17 year age difference and 13 ½'' reach advantage that Jones holds over Hendo. Most believe his chin is too good and that even without a game plan, the all-American wrestler can hold his own on the ground and only needs on solid punch on the feet to end the fight.
All feasible thoughts, sure, but how can this be? Hendo seems to only be getting better with age which is a frightening statement for any fighter due to the fact that Hendo was a monster in his early to mid 30's when he was destroying opponents in Pride. He has proven himself a legend of the sport but also still a viable option for contender status at two different weight classes which is a very realistic possibility.
Personally, I am not the biggest Hendo fan. He knocked out my favorite, Wanderlei Silva, to take his Pride middleweight belt in Wand's last defense of said belt and knocked out Fedor while I sat and watched in my Fedor signature T-shirt.
But even someone like me who carries a biased opinion against Hendo still can't deny the unbelievable skill of this man and I hope that everyone who is in any way associated with MMA gives this man the credit he has earned for himself. He is a living, breathing, fighting legend and can I've any fighter trouble at any weight class at any age. If Hendo feels the fighting spirit ten years from now, expect him to be the only man who holds a knockout of the night honor in his 50's.
In terms of his next fight, Hendo reportedly turned down a title shot with Jones because he felt he had to earn his shot with at least one more win. As for a suitable opponent, the loser of Phil Davis and Rashad Evans will surely accommodate Hendo's desire to earn a title shot.
Both Evans and Davis have impressive wrestling credentials and while Davis hasn't validated his standup game, the matchup would surely still prove to be an interesting one.
No matter what, Hendo is a handful for anyone and will never cease to surpass expectations and deny logic's place in the path of his career.
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