Dana White Announces Michael Bisping vs. Dan Henderson Rematch

After coming in on short notice and scoring an emphatic upset knockout victory over Luke Rockhold to steal the title at UFC 199, Michael Bisping had made it clear that he had revenge on his mind. When asked who he’d like to make his first title defense against, the newly-minted champion responded with Dan Henderson, an ageing legend who had brutally knocked him out back at UFC 100 in 2009.

Despite the clear interest from fans, it was hard to tell how realistic a title bout with Bisping and Henderson was given the fact that Henderson is currently ranked outside of the top 10 in the middleweight division. “Hendo” is coming off of an impressive knockout victory over Hector Lombard.

Apparently, however, the idea was very realistic. UFC President Dana White appeared on FOX Sports 1 after last night’s (July 9, 2016) UFC 200 to announce the rematch between Bisping and Henderson. No official date or venue was named, but White did say that Manchester, England was the targeted location, a statement that’ll likely excite the Brit in Bisping:

Prior to shocking the world against Rockhold, Bisping had scored a somewhat controversial decision victory over all-time great former champion Anderson Silva last February. Prior to finishing Lombard, Henderson had lost three of his last four.

Despite the announcement from the UFC boss, no official deal has been signed, although Bisping vs. Henderson II appears to be next for the stacked middleweight division.