Dan Henderson’s boxing coach: Hendo versus Machida is more deserving of UFC 157 main event status

5898728583 222b1572dc zRecently Dan Henderson’s boxing coach Gus Pugliese has come out with some interesting questions that deserve to be debated. Given the fact that his pupil’s bout versus Lyoto Machida has been relegated to co-main event status at UFC 157, he refutes the claim Rousey’s initial UFC Women’s bout with Liz Carmouche is deserving of true headlining status. Appearing on Facebook via (MMA.tv), he voiced his opinion:

Ronda is headlining UFC 157. Here is why I have a problem with that. Ronda is the champion of Strikeforce with 6 wins in less than 2 years of a mma professional career. That’s impressive regardless of who she has fought. However, she is not the UFC champion yet. She still has to win this fight to get that belt.
On the other hand, we have Hendo, who has also been the Strikeforce champion (never lost the belt), Pride champion in two different weight classes, has been ranked #1 contender for the UFC 205lbs, and #6 by many as pound for pound best fighter. His resume is second to none. Moreover, he is fighting a former champion, Lyoto Machida.
Now why aren’t they main event? Is Ronda a better market value? I don’t know, but her fight could be quick as usual and we could be missing another historic five round fight between two legends and possible hall of famers.
I’m not saying she doesn’t deserve to headline an UFC event, but certainly not this one.

“Ronda is headlining UFC 157. Here is why I have a problem with that. Ronda is the champion of Strikeforce with 6 wins in less than 2 years of a mma professional career. That’s impressive regardless of who she has fought. However, she is not the UFC champion yet. She still has to win this fight to get that belt.

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On the other hand, we have Hendo, who has also been the Strikeforce champion (never lost the belt), Pride champion in two different weight classes, has been ranked #1 contender for the UFC 205lbs, and #6 by many as pound for pound best fighter. His resume is second to none. Moreover, he is fighting a former champion, Lyoto Machida.

Now why aren’t they main event? Is Ronda a better market value? I don’t know, but her fight could be quick as usual and we could be missing another historic five round fight between two legends and possible hall of famers.

I’m not saying she doesn’t deserve to headline an UFC event, but certainly not this one.”

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Given the fact that odds have Rousey as an overwhelming favorite, coupled with her record of brutally finishing off opponents via first-round armbar, her headlining bout could be quite short. While both Machida and Henderson have shown that they possess knockout power, their bout could more appeal than a lopsided affair. But I suppose that all depends on your point of view, and motivation for watching the fight. Let’s be honest, many fans will be tuning in just to see Rousey dominate as she always has to this point. What are your thoughts? Should Hendo and Machida be the main bout?