Henderson Not Worried About Titles, Focused Exclusively on Rua

UFC 139 Press ConferenceHenderson ready for Rua, not what comes next

SAN JOSE, Calif. – Dan Henderson’s career in mixed martial arts has been journey filled with both acclaim and obstacles.

Having won titles in Pride and Strikeforce, the future Hall of Fame fighter has returned to the only organization where the gold has eluded him. This weekend Henderson will look to start his climb to the top of the UFC light heavyweight division when he faces another former champion Mauricio “Shogun” Rua at UFC 139.

Despite both fighters having dominant runs in the now-defunct Japanese promotion, the fight between them never materialized. Nearly five years have passed since their time in Pride.

“It’s something I haven’t really thought about, even though we were in Pride together for a lot of years,” Henderson said. “I just know it’s happening now and a lot of fans have been waiting for years to see it. I’m excited about the match-up and it should be a great fight. We both have improved over the years. I know he’s had a few injuries to get over and it seems like he has. Even back then I thought I was the better fighter and I still believe that. I think it’s going to be an exciting fight.”

After defeating Michael Bisping at UFC 100, Henderson once again parted ways with the UFC and signed with Strikeforce, where he claimed the light heavy weight title. During that time span, Rua would claim a title of his own, but immediately lost it in a lopsided bout against Jon Jones.

“I wouldn’t overlook him because he’s had a couple mediocre performances. I’m not going to start thinking about who my next fight will be after him. Shogun is dangerous. He’s been around a long time, has a ton of experience and he’s a tough fight. There’s no way around it.”

While the 41 year-old Henderson appears to be hitting another stride in his career, his opponent is looking to regain his footing as one of the best light heavyweight fighters in the world.

“I don’t feel 41. Some days I do but then again some days I feel older than that. I have a good system down where I’m able to peak at the right time and be ready for my fights. I’m more careful with my training and making sure I don’t beat my body up. I’ve learned over the years that less is more and I don’t have to beat myself up in order to get ready for a fight. The experience is there, but I’m still learning new things. I make sure my strength and conditioning is there and I feel good about everything.”

Before the bout with Rua was announced rumors circulated the UFC would be bringing Henderson back for a rematch with middleweight king Anderson Silva. The two men originally squared off at UFC 82 with Henderson succumbing to a rear naked choke late in the second round.

Henderson has been vocal in recent years about his contempt for the weight cutting process. While the opportunity would be appealing if the timing was right, Henderson has chalked up the rematch with Silva as speculation and chooses to focus on his run at the light heavyweight crown.

“I wasn’t asking for Anderson Silva at all. The fight was blown out of proportion a little bit. I’ll be here for a while, and if the fight happens, it happens. I’m not excited about having to cut weight but it is what it is. I’m not going to lose sleep over it. I think the UFC wanted that fight but I was asking for a title fight in the light heavyweight division. I wanted the winner of Jones vs. Rampage but it worked out this way and I’m perfectly happy with this match-up. It’s definitely a big challenge and those are the things that get me excited. I’m looking at what’s in front of me and doing what I need to do to get the win on Saturday night.”