Ben Henderson vs. Thiago Alves targeted for UFC main event in South Korea

Ben Henderson has been seeking a headlining spot on the UFC's debut show in South Korea, and it looks like he's going to get it. According to MMA Fighting's Ariel Helwani, the former WEC and UFC lightweight champion is targeted for a welterweight fight with former UFC title challenger Thiago Alves on November 28th in Seoul. UFC officials have not formally announced the bout but are expected to do so shortly.

Henderson (22-5) lost a narrow decision over Donald Cerrone in January, but then submitted Brandon Thatch just a month later in his impromptu welterweight debut. At the time of his 4th round rear-naked choke, Henderson was behind on two scorecards. He was scheduled to fight Michael Johnson in June before an undisclosed eye injury temporarily put him out of commission. This event has a lot of sentimental value for Henderson, whose mother is South Korean.

Alves (21-10) had won back-to-back fights over Seth Baczynski and Jordan Mein, but suffered a doctor's stoppage TKO loss in the main event of UFC Goiania to Carlos Condit. The Brazilian somehow survived Condit's heavy onslaught in the 2nd round, but a busted nose meant he was unable to continue. Following the defeat, Thiago had announced a plan to drop to 155 lbs, but it looks like that move will be postponed.

UFC Fight Night: South Korea is expected to stream live on Fight Pass.