Dan Henderson Wants Anderson Silva's UFC Title, Not Nate Marquardt

by Kid Nate on Sep 3, 2009 9:56 AM EDT in News Comment 31 comments

The UFC middleweight division remains an utter mess. Champ Anderson Silva is so dominant that there is more fascination with his potential fights at 205lbs or maybe even heavyweight than at 185. And that leaves the two top contenders for his belt out in the cold.

UFC.com is clearly pushing a Dan Henderson vs Nate Marquardt title eliminator bout. Today the site features an article on the both of them and it spares no effort in reminding fans just how badly each was beaten by the champ in their first fight:

Silva's middleweight crime scene is a mess of humbled challengers and crushed dreams. The outlines of great fighters have been sketched on the Octagon canvas in ominous white chalk.

Two of the outlines, seemingly finished at the time of Silva's crimes, have since got up and walked free of the crime scene. Not only that, Dan Henderson and Nate ‘The Great' Marquardt have enjoyed a successful rehabilitation programme. They've miraculously healed up, learned from the experience and become better men as a result of Silva's slaying.

But Dan Henderson at least wants no part of a fight with Nate Marquardt, per Josh Gross:

"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 said if the UFC came to him with a bout against Marquardt, he would turn it down and seek challenges at light heavyweight.

"I think he's right in line for a title shot as well, but I feel I've earned that already," Henderson said. "That's a fight that more than likely will happen in the future, but I think right now, from the UFC's standpoint, they shouldn't be having me and Nate fight each other. They're going to get stuck without any new opponents for Anderson Silva.

Dan Henderson is someone who has proven many times over that he can compete with the very best in the Light Heavyweight Division. He's been pressured by the UFC to fight at middleweight since losing to Quinton Rampage Jackson in 2007. And other than one fight at light heavy against Rich Franklin (which oddly enough was an eliminator match to coach The Ultimate Fighter and then fight at middleweight against opposing coach Michael Bisping), 185lbs is where Dan has been fighting.

The problem is, if he's not fighting for the belt at 185, Henderson would rather be fighting high profile fights in the much more high profile Light Heavyweight division. We'll see if the UFC can sweeten the pot enough on a fight against a very dangerous Nate Marquardt to make it appealing to Henderson.

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That’s why i was rooting for Maia.. If he won, there wouldn’t be an issue, he’d be the top contender for sure..

But now, all that’s left are rematches that not everyone is psyched about.. I’m not that interested in seeing Hendo go for the title just yet.. so I really hope he fights nate for the #1 contenders slot.

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by Anton Tabuena on Sep 3, 2009 10:01 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs

The Henderson loss to Anderson is still a little fresh in my mind, and I am sure to many others as well (especially since UFC Unleashed plays that fight constantly). I think that now, Marquardt should be first to fight for the title. He has looked like a totally different fighter and has highlight reel knockouts of his last three opponents.
As far as actually deserving a Middleweight title shot, I honestly feel that BOTH deserve to fight for the title at this point without having to fight each other. However, I can see why there is a lack of interest in having these rematches.

by chrisbboy82 on Sep 3, 2009 12:31 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

The other problem is

Anderson Silva is the best guy in the sport right now and …he says he’s going to retire after 3 more fights.

You really want him to waste 2 of those 3 fights on rematches?

by rainmaker6 on Sep 3, 2009 10:54 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Silva only has 3 fights left in his contract, and after that he’ll probably leave MMA for good. The UFC will want to save Anderson for 3 super fights; possibly with GSP or for the LHW belt if someone takes out Lyoto, or have him move up to HW… I don’t think they’ll waste 2 of Anderson 3 fights having him defend his title against guys he already definitively beaten, and quite frankly I wouldn’t want to see that either.

by TheConcreteKid on Sep 3, 2009 10:03 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs

I know Silva has stated that he wants to do “other” things once his contract is up, but I’m almost certain that the UFC will pony up the $$$$$$ to keep him from retiring/going somewhere else.

by BONESJONES on Sep 3, 2009 10:13 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

I don’t think money is the issue anymore, he has been clear about leaving the fight game for good.

by orcus on Sep 3, 2009 10:14 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Truth! But I don’t think we’ll ever see GSP vs Anderson, Dana already made that clear. I do agree though that it’s a waist to have him fight both nate and hendo, taking two of the little amount of fights he has left. If we can bring that number to one, what’s wrong with that?

by orcus on Sep 3, 2009 10:14 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Dana White already killed the whole GSP-Anderson Silva super-fight by stating Silva is just too big. St. Pierre has already stated that he would need to take his time to move up in weight correctly and pack on some muscle.
Verdict: This fight will not happen.

I was also rooting for Maia, I guess he was right, his stand-up is rated 5.

Hopefully Henderson or Marquardt will continue to make great arguments for themselves. With Silva talking about taking a break, I don’t know about the prospect of a title defense by the end of the year. Hopefully, the UFC makes something happen.

One thing, if either Henderson or Marquardt gets their rematch . . . they better really show that they deserve to be in the ring against Silva.

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by VeeisAnimated on Sep 3, 2009 10:11 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs

-Silva wants to take a break.
-There is no clear n°1 contender.
-But there is an obvious match for a title shot in marquardt vs hendo.

People aren’t that hot for hendo vs silva (not right now) but they want to see nate/hendo, cause that’s the fight that makes sense, that’s new and exciting, and Dana knows it. Imo hendo could lose his title shot if he doesn’t play it right, dana could do marquardt vs okami or something similar and let hendo have fun at LH.

You don't look like a Tanaka.

by spectaa on Sep 3, 2009 10:24 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs

I say strip Anderson of his belt if he won't defend it

and name the winner of Henderson vs Marquardt the interim champ.
then bring back Rich Franklin and see if he can get his belt back.

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by Kid Nate on Sep 3, 2009 10:41 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

I actually think Hendo wants to fight Silva more than to hold the title without beating Silva. He might just go straight to LHW if Silva gets stripped of the title.

by orcus on Sep 3, 2009 10:47 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

If that happens put Hendo against Silva for the unofficial MW crown.

by nottheface on Sep 3, 2009 2:01 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

I don’t know about bringing Rich back, maybe he would come back, but I do agree to strip Anderson of his belt if he won’t defend. His reluctance to give fighters he beat before a rematch is just ridiculous. I understand why he doesn’t want to, but the point is the next number one contender is gonna be someone he beat before. I’m sure he’d win any rematch, but he can’t just hang onto the belt and not defend, and thus holding the division hostage cause there is no contender that he hasn’t beat yet. If he wants high profile fights and move up, then he’s got to get rid of the belt. But I also don’t like this “I won’t fight Machida” thing. He can’t just go up to LHW and clear out that division without fighting for the title. Kinda getting sick of his behavior.

Also getting sick of Hendo’s behavior about not wanting to fight anyone at 185 other than Silva. Again, I know why he won’t fight Nate, but this is getting ridiculous.

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by pud333 on Sep 3, 2009 1:42 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

He'll defend against someone who poses a threat to it

Why does everyone seem to think Hendo deserves a shot for knocking out Michael Bisping and not improving in any other way? Nate makes sense, but Hendo seems to think that because he’s been around awhile he deserves a title shot. Nate has made an immediate improvement in his performances and tactical methods while Hendo is the same lumbering static tactitcian he’s always been. Silva is going to eat him alive unless he can barely hold Anderson down for another round before getting knocked/choked-out. Do we think Zuffa thinks about that fight and sees money?

Nate has a chance given his improvements, but needs to be tested against a fighter who isn’t going to crumble under pressure like most of the 185 div. Hendo fills that role. If Nate wins, he proves he won’t crumble against a tough hard-hitting fighter and might have a better chance against Silva. If Hendo wins, he shows he might have the skills required to fight a dynamic striker with game-ending dynamic offense.

I truly don’t see any other way to work it.

by asa on Sep 3, 2009 5:23 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

I am fine with Hendo not fighting Nate. Somehow the thought of it doesn’t excite me. Just give Hendo the shot at Silva…AFTER Marquardt gets his. Nate is more deserving and a better match up, imo.

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by BJJDenver on Sep 3, 2009 10:27 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs

I say give Hendo his shot, followed by Nate getting the winner of Silva/Henderson.

by Hardcase on Sep 3, 2009 10:29 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs

One highlight reel KO over an opponent with bad striking habits does not merit an immediate title shot.

I dislike Matt Hughes.

by MonkeyCHops on Sep 3, 2009 11:01 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs

and beating bisping does?

by brazary on Sep 3, 2009 11:09 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Oh yay!

We’re still playing the “Bisping wasn’t any good” card!

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by Brent Brookhouse on Sep 3, 2009 11:33 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

You missed the point. This statement applies to both guys.

I dislike Matt Hughes.

by MonkeyCHops on Sep 3, 2009 6:09 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

MMA is so totally different from boxing!

The number 1 and 2 contenders won’t fight because one of them only is interested in fighting for a title.

The champion won’t fight the clear top contenders because he doesn’t think it’s worth his time.

The champion of one division won’t fight the champion of the division he seems interested in fighting in because of personal ties…

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by Brent Brookhouse on Sep 3, 2009 11:34 AM EDT reply actions 1 recs

and boxing?

by The Bronzeville Bully on Sep 3, 2009 11:41 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

In what way

Is Hendo such a dangerous matchup for Silva? He won’t knock him out, won’t submit him, and the odds of him winning at least 3 rounds without getting melted are all but zilch. I’m a firm believer that Anderson is stylistic poison for Henderson, on top of the absurd skill gap that exists between Silva and everyone else.

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by Dodectagon on Sep 3, 2009 12:39 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

TL;DR - Henderson is stylistic poison for Silva

The only round Silva ever lost* was at the hands of Hendo via top position GNP, but Hendo got caught** at the end of the second with a rear naked, who knows what a 3rd 4th or 5th round would have shown, especially given the fact that, at the time, Silva hadnt gone past the 3rd round in 4 years.

Plus, Silva got mounted and was in bad shape against Lutter… but was saved by the bell and ended up subbing Lutter in impressive fashion the very next round. But what these two instances show is this: Silva facing a solid and aggressive wrestler and getting put on his back is a possible chink in his armor.*

In the UFC at least
- OK it wasn’t a fluke ‘catch’ but if he would’ve lasted 5 more seconds he could have been saved by the bell
  - This has been debated to death, but until we definitively see otherwise, we have to question it

by TheConcreteKid on Sep 3, 2009 12:55 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

I wouldn’t call that first round against hendo a domination by GNP, he got on top, and did nothing (those short shoulder hits did nothing to silva). and the question really is, how many times can he do that in a five rounder to get a decision? on the lutter fight he had knee surgery not a week after the fight, some ppl don’t take that into consideration, but it’s worth a note (since lutter is not a good wrestler…).

by orcus on Sep 3, 2009 12:59 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Silva's losses in PRIDE

came from being outgrappled, he was especially vulnerable to being controlled on the ground for the duration of the fight. It could still happen.

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by Kid Nate on Sep 3, 2009 1:00 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

I agree, but I wouldn’t call lutter a wrestler, but I agree that a great bjj guy has the better chance of beating silva. I wish maia had the stand up to at least be compatitive for half a round and get the fight to the ground… oh well.

by orcus on Sep 3, 2009 1:09 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Henderson has the tools to beat Anderson. After watching the first fight it looked like Hendo lost respect for Anderson’s ability to rock him and started to keep a dangerous distance.
Silva’s KOs come just as much from Accuracy then power. Sure, Anderson has power but Forrest took shots from Rampage and was still standing. With Silva he can hit someone on the button at will so power shots are not needed all the time. With Forrest you seen that. He Dropped Forrest twice with good power and then just hit him with a jab to finish him.

by Riley_96 on Sep 3, 2009 1:09 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Everybody keeps talking about a MW but there is no mess, Nate is the clear number 1 contender to Anderson’s title. It doesn’t matter what Soares or anybody else things or what Anderson Silva wants, Nate has earned another shot at the belt let Hendo fight at LHW that’s fine.

by Raker on Sep 3, 2009 6:36 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Hendo is being a baby

I’d love to see Hendo v Nate. We’re gonna get 2 fights either way. The options are Silva v Hendo and Silva v Nate, or Hendo v Nate and winner v Silva. I’d much rather see the latter. Anderson has been so utterly dominant that at this point you need to be the clear cut #1 contender at 185 to challenge him. Frankly, neither Hendo nor Nate are the clear cut #1 conetender…yet. That is easily fixed by them fighting. I just hope Nate will call out Hendo and not be a little baby girl like Hnedo is being in crying about having to truly fight for the #2 middleweight slot. Beating Bisping does not make you #2. Beating Maia does not make you #2. Being the winner of Hendo v Nate makes you #2. Not to mention that is a fight none of us has seen and the winner is unpredictable. Hendo knows he is likely to lose to Nate and is scared. I think Nate should start calling out Hendo and say he wants to prove he is the man to beat Anderson by abusing Hendo as bad as Anderson did. If Henderson can actually beat him, then he has earned another shot at Silva. Complaining about middleweight contenders is irrelevant. Silva has 3 fights left, lets make them actually mean something. If Belfort beats Franklin he is right in line after the Hendo v Nate winner. After all those fights someone like Aaron Simpson may be ready to challenge, and if not, give Silva a super fight at LHW or HW to finish off his career. Either way, he doesn’t need to waste his time rematching both thsese guys. Let the best man win.

by IWillPartyHard on Sep 4, 2009 3:13 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs

I gotta agree with “partytohard”, Hendo and Nate, haven’t had “HUGE” victories, Bisping was to me highly overated and he walked right into hendo’s KO side, but other than that I can’t say Hendo has improved enough to beat Silva, sure he took him down in the 1st, won the round with kiddie shots, but it was over from there, Hendo gassed out, got rocked all over the place and got tapped, I chuckled when I saw that both the Nog brother’s tapped him than Silva taps him, it would have been epic if it was an armbar..anyhow Hendo still has that power and his wrestling, if he could keep the second fight on the ground, he might have a chance but, Silva vs. Hendo 2, not something I wanna see until “if and when” he faces down Nate, speaking of Nate, I see him as a fighter that has improved hella alot since his first fight with Silva, if Maia’s jaw was “alot” better and it turned into a hard fought war, Nate would have alittle more going for him, but as it stands I see Hendo vs. Nate, hell UFC 105 has a main event slot open, toss them right in there and BAM! the winner gets the fight when Silva returns……Kinda long and there’s alot of errors, its 8:30 where I am and Ive been up for 15+ hours, I got my message across, I feel I gave both fighters justice

by Takun on Sep 6, 2009 8:30 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs