Speaking to Sports Illustrated's Josh Gross, UFC middleweight contender, Dan Henderson gave his thoughts on the Randy Couture-Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira bout and a potential fight with Nate Marquardt.
Henderson first spoke about the epic battle between the two former UFC heavyweight champions. Having fought Nogueira twice during their days with Pride and being a former training partner of Couture at Team Quest allowed Henderson to weigh in on how the fight played out.
Henderson was quite surprised at how Nogueira was able to drop Couture throughout the fight. He believes that Couture's chin may not be what it used to be and that he got caught a little too much during the fight.
Henderson was more concerned on his own future as he witnessed Marquardt destroy the undefeated Demain Maia in spectacular fashion. Henderson is coming off his own highlight reel knockout of Michael Bisping at UFC 100. UFC President Dana White had insinuated that Henderson would be the next challenger to UFC middleweight champion Anderson Silva's throne.
Now that White is balking on the idea, he was quoted as saying that both Marquardt and Henderson are in the mix. Henderson has heard the noise coming out of Silva's camp calling for a bout between Marquardt and Henderson, a bout Henderson wants no part of at this time.
"I think I'm the one guy that poses enough dangers [to Silva] style-wise," he said. "If I were his manager, I'd be trying not to have him fight me as well. I know that Anderson Silva is really trying not to fight me. It's obvious."
Henderson went on to say that if he was presented with an opportunity with Marquardt he would turn it down and instead turn his focus towards the light heavyweight division. Henderson has nothing against Marquardt, in fact he said that Nate put himself in line for a shot at the champion, but only after Henderson gets the first crack. Henderson reiterated that the only fight he wants as a middleweight is a rematch with "The Spider".
Both Marqaurdt and Henderson have both fallen victim to Silva. Marquardt lost via first round TKO at UFC 73 and Henderson was choked out in the second round at UFC 82.
Comments
Well as much as I would love to see Henderson and Marquardt go at it Henderson appears to be right. Although I do not think Silva is afraid of him.
looks like henderson's scared im not surprised marquardtn has the skills that henderson posesses but more!
What's up WarDog? We have to catch up, I have been super busy. I don't think Henderson is afraid of anyone, come on the guy has fought a who's who of MMA stars. He has also fought guys who were 250lbs and up. The man has no fear, he just wants what was promised to him. He is wrong though, Silva is not ducking him, Silva is another guy who has no fear. Marquardt is a very good fighter and a bout between him and Hendo would be great.
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