Earlier this month, in the main event of UFC 204, a 46-year-old Dan Henderson fought Michael Bisping for the UFC middleweight title. Win, lose, or draw, the aging legend assured it would be the last fight of his career.
Despite his age, Henderson made it one hell of a fight.
In the first round, he very nearly finished Bisping with his legendary “H-Bomb,” which many fans and pundits believe should have earned him a 10-8 score. In the second, he had similar success, nearly finishing his foe again with his right hand. These early moments of success were enough to convince Henderson, his family, many of his fans, and even UFC president Dana White that he’d won the fight.
Unfortunately for the retiring legend, Bisping was a downright workhorse for the remainder of the fight, clearly stealing rounds three and four – and possibly five –with his high striking output. This effort from the Brit would be enough to sway the judges, all three of whom scored the fight for him. To Henderson’s disappointment, Bisping would leave the Octagon with a unanimous decision win, and the UFC middleweight belt draped proudly over his shoulder.
In the latest instalment of the UFC’s incredible The Thrill and The Agony series, you can witness the reactions of Bisping, Henderson, and their families as the judges’ contentious decision was read. You can also see a few backstage moments, the most memorable of which shows a black and blue Bisping asking somebody to bring him a well-deserved beer.
Watch this video above!
Having successfully defended his title against Henderson, Bisping will now take some time off to heal up. When he’s once again battle-ready, he’ll likely turn his attention to the winner of one of two November bouts. The first, which goes down on November 12, will see former champion Chris Weidman take on Yoel Romero. The second, which will occur on November 26, will see grappling whiz Ronaldo “Jacare” Souza attempt to avenge a 2011 decision loss to Luke Rockhold, another former champ.
Henderson, meanwhile, has closed the curtains on his legendary career.