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What would you like to see next from Dan Henderson and "Shogun" Rua after their brutal fight on Sunday? If they keep fighting, who should each fight next, and why?
DAN MOORE, MMATORCH UK COLUMNIST
Coming toward the end of a fantastic career, Sunday night was probably the highest peak Dan Henderson will ever attain since turning 40, especially now that he's going to be competitively off TRT. If the UFC believes he can still compete at an elite level, a fight with Daniel Cormier isn't inconceivable, neither is the winner of Phil Davis vs. Anthony Johnson. If they believe he's now past his prime, a fight against the winner of Sonnen vs. Silva might be something they could do.
As for Shogun, he's still got a place in the UFC, but it's probably going to be as a resident gatekeeper. My personal preference would be to see him up against Jimi Manuwa next. Sadly Shogun costs too much to fight in Europe on Fight Pass, so Manuwa would have to fight in Brazil, considering his previous indiscretions with the law make it almost impossible for him to fight in America.
KALE HAVERVOLD, MMATORCH CONTRIBUTOR
I honestly would like for them both to retire, as both have nothing left to prove in pro MMA. But if they stick around, I like to see them against some up and coming competition, such as Ovince St. Preux or similar fighters.
FRANK HYDEN, MMATORCH CONTRIBUTOR
If they want to keep fighting, I'm for it. As long as they're both realistic about things at this stage. Neither guy is going to be fighting for the title again, so the UFC should use them as attractions as well as possible gatekeepers. In terms of who they fight next, I'd be good with whomever gets chosen. I think their pay-per-view days are over, at least in terms of being draws. However, the UFC can use them as a way to try to draw more eyeballs to their TV cards.
CASH NORMAN, MMATORCH CONTRIBUTOR
Honestly, I would like to see both Dan Henderson and Shogun Rua retire as they are both shadows of themselves. I no longer wish to see Henderson slowly circle around with his right hand cocked at the ready to unload the H-Bomb. Although Henderson has stated he wants to go on a championship run, can anyone picture him actually giving Chris Weidman or Jon Jones problems? And we have already witnessed the horrid nature of a match between he and Lyoto Machida. Other than fighting another dentured old man in a bingo parlor, I have no desire to see Dan Henderson fight anyone.
If Shogun decides to continue his career, I would like to see him move down to middleweight. Possibly a matchup between Shogun and Mark Munoz, as I don't anticipate Munoz will beat Mousasi. Or depending on how TUF Brazil 3 ends, a matchup between Shogun and Wanderlei Silva.
TOM STRONG, MMATORCH UK CONTRIBUTOR
-Dan Henderson proved on Saturday night there's life in the old dog yet! He showed true grit and heart when looking down the barrel of defeat.
We hadn't seen the right hand land for a few years now. Just as some were beginning to question Hendo's punching power, he silenced each and every one by landing the 'H' bomb to stop Shogun in the third round.
A fight that would interest me is Daniel Cormier vs. Dan Henderson. With both fighters five and six respectively in the UFC light heavyweight rankings, the fight makes perfect sense.
-Shogun Rua looked fantastic for two-rounds, before being caught by Henderson. Everything he was doing was on point, and if it was against any other fighter than Dan Henderson, we'd be talking about how fantastic Shogun looked in his victory. But as we all know, this wasn't the case.
Shogun's record since his first defeat to Henderson isn't great, and I was surprised he was such a heavy favourite on Saturday. It will be hard for Shogun to pick himself up after this defeat though at only 32, he still has a little more to give and will be a handful for most fighter.
Next up for Shogun? None other than England's very own Jimi Manuwa. Just the thought of this has my mouth watering!
[Dan Henderson art by Grant Gould (c) MMATorch.com]
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