Will Dan Henderson vs. Daniel Cormier Produce The Next Champion At 205 Pounds?
The UFC light-heavyweight division is a very tough place to be right now, with the champion Jon Jones still unbeaten and a host of exciting names queuing up; the real question is who can take ‘Bones’ from his spot as boss? Seven men have tried so far and have been turned away by Jones, but the one man who got closer than any other will get another chance.
Alexander Gustafsson put in an epic effort against Jones at UFC 165, in a fight which won a host of awards, and has since solidified his claim for a second title fight with ‘Bones’. Aside from ‘The Mauler’, who else offers a legitimate threat to JJ? Well, UFC 173 has a light-heavyweight co-main event featuring Daniel Cormier vs. Dan Henderson, in a fight that could well create a clear contender.
DC and Jones have beef that goes way back, so the selling point for the fight is already there. All that is left is for DC and Hendo to throw down at 173. Speaking of Henderson, he would once again upset the bookmakers with a win this Saturday, but many fans are questioning whether the aging Pride veteran still has what it takes to hang with the elite.
Another factor to add in to the 205 pound division is Glover Teixeira, after his failed title challenge at UFC 172 the Brazilian is yet to have an opponent named for his return. Perhaps Rashad Evans would be a fight that makes sense for GT. Mauricio Rua and Phil Davis might end up squaring off at some point, and Anthony Johnson adds an interesting wild card to the already talent packed category.
Either Dan Cormier or Hendo will have a solid shout at a title shot with a win at UFC 173, but there are plenty of other meaningful matches to be made for the rest of the division. Jon Jones remains firmly in control of light-heavyweight, but the imminent rematch with ‘The Mauler’ might change that. Gus put a solid beating on Jimi Manuwa in the time since UFC 165, and looks hungrier than ever. Do you think he will be the one to dethrone Jones, or will we have to wait and see if Cormier or Hendo has the goods?
