Title Or No Title, Dan Henderson Wants His Shot At Jon Jones

Dan Henderson is a long time veteran of UFC and MMA, with a laundry list of achievements and records to his credit. One target of Henderson’s that he has never attained is gaining a UFC title, despite having two title shots during his time for the promotion. Quinton ‘Rampage’ Jackson and Anderson Silva both snubbed Hendo’s attempts at their respective 205 & 185-pound titles (at the time).

That was back in late 2007/08, and he hasn’t fought for a UFC title in the time since. All that being said, a title fight isn’t the only thing on Hendo’s bucket list, the aging veteran is still very interested in fighting Jon Jones; title or no title, as he told MSN.FoxSports.com:

“I deserve that shot because I had it before and just for whatever reason I didn’t get to do it because I got hurt,” Henderson said.  “After my last performance, obviously, the fight against DC and to beat him, it’s going to be a huge accomplishment as well and that will pretty much solidify that I deserve that spot. There definitely is — title or no title — some unfinished business there and somebody I trained for and was more ready for than any other fight in a long time,” Henderson said about Jones.  “It didn’t ever happen.  A little bit disappointed it didn’t and I would love to test myself in that way.”

Henderson and Jones were originally scheduled to fight at UFC 151, until Hendo was forced off the card with an injury. The card was eventually axed when ‘Bones’ refused to accept Chael Sonnen as a replacement opponent. Hendo was unlucky to never get that title shot, and went on to lose three on the bounce upon his return.

Two split decision losses to Lyoto Machida and Rashad Evans dashed his immediate hopes for a title fight, and his 2013 KO loss to Vitor Belfort had many fans questioning whether Hendo should still be competing at the ripe old age of 134 43. As it turned out, there was still fight in the old dog.

Hendo returned to face Shogun Rua for a rematch of their UFC 139 classic, at Fight Night 38. The result was a comeback TKO win for the former Pride FC middle/welterweight champion, and the stars aligned for a contender bout with Daniel Cormier. A win will catapult Hendo in to his third UFC title fight, a loss will be devastating. Will the old dog have a new trick, or will the young(er) Cormier be too much?