One of the worst-kept secrets in all of mixed martial arts appears to finally becoming a reality: Newly-crowned Michael Bisping will make the first defense of his middleweight title against old nemesis Dan Henderson.
“I’m announcing it,” Bisping stated on the show. “Dan Henderson vs. Michael Bisping for the 185-pound middleweight title. Oct. 8 in Manchester. Live on pay-per-view. Do not miss it.”
Though he’s a polarizing bloke known for his trash talk and boisterous personality, “The Count” and Henderson have some legitimate beef that goes all the way back to the build-up to their first encounter back at UFC 100. After trading verbal barbs for weeks, “Hendo” had the last laugh when he knocked the Brit out cold with his vaunted right hand. To add insult to injury, Henderson slammed a follow-up right onto the fallen Bisping’s face even though it was clear that the Englishman was already completed iced.
Ever since that night in Las Vegas, Bisping has coveted chance to exact revenge on the American and he’s had to wait years for the opportunity. The fight will likely be the final title shot for Henderson, one of the all-time great MMA fighters who has been pondering retirement for months.