The main event of UFC 204 is a Middleweight title fight with champion Michael Bisping (29-7 MMA; 19-7 UFC) making his first title defense against challenger Dan Henderson (32-14 MMA; 9-8 UFC). The UFC rankings have champion Bisping at #10 on the pound for pound list with Henderson as the #13 contender at 185 pounds. UFC 204: Bisping vs. Henderson 2 airs live from Manchester, England this Saturday, October 8. The main card airs on PPV with a fight time of 10:00 p.m. ET / 7:00 p.m. PT, with the prelims starting at 8:00 p.m. ET on Fox Sports 1 and 7:00 p.m. ET on Fight Pass.
This fight is a rematch from all the way back at UFC 100, seven years ago - that kind of gap between rematches is exceptionally rare in MMA, and it’s pretty incredible that these two are fighting for a world title all this time later. That first fight had a lot of bad feelings stemming from the two men appearing as coaches on The Ultimate Fighter, and Henderson’s now famous post-KO diving punch on an unconscious Bisping certainly didn’t help those bad feelings. They finally settle the score now.
How do these two stack up?
Bisping: 37 years old | 6'1" | 76" reach
Henderson: 46 years old | 5’11" | 74" reach
What have these two done recently?
Bisping: W - Chris Weidman (KO) | W - Anderson Silva (UD) | W - Thales Leites (SD)
Henderson: W - Hector Lombard (KO) | L - Vitor Belfort (KO) | W - Tim Boetsch (KO)
How did these two get here?
There are a lot of unexpected champions in the UFC in 2016, but perhaps none more so than Michael “The Count” Bisping. A 10 year veteran of the UFC, Bisping looked to be winding down his career with the claim of being one of the most accomplished UFC Middleweights to never fight for a world title. Then, he got the call up to fight Luke Rockhold, and knocked him out in one round, claiming the world title he had fought ten years for. Bisping has been underrated throughout his UFC career, and he probably remains so even as champion. He has a chance to increase his legacy and avenge one of his most brutal losses here.
Dan Henderson is a 19 year veteran, which is just unheard of in MMA. Hendo, who made his UFC debut at UFC 17 (!) is a former Pride champion and Strikeforce champion looking to finally win the UFC gold that has eluded him. A decorated amateur wrestler, Hendo has long since given up on his wrestling in favor of that famed “H-Bomb” right hand KO punch. To a degree, that’s all he has as a fighter at this point, but it’s often enough. Hendo comes in off a surprising win over Hector Lombard, and is currently on a 4-6 run since his return to the UFC in 2011 and his legendary fight with Shogun Rua. He also says this is his final fight, win, lose, or draw.
Why should you care?
The last fight of a living legend and let’s be honest - he absolutely could win the world title. You know you need to see if he makes it happen.