UFC 161: Evans vs. Henderson

It says something about former Pride and Strikeforce champion Dan Henderson's impressive career when former UFC light heavyweight champion Rashad Evans might not even be the eighth best fighter he's ever faced.  But at 40 years old, the centerpiece of Henderson's career- a championship belt in the UFC - remains as elusive as his previous opponent Lyoto Machida, who beat him in split decision.  In that loss, Henderson's plodding, slugging style repeatedly found air where an opponent once stood.  In Evans, Henderson faces a fellow wrestler only second to Machida in the speed department among light heavyweights.  With such an advantage, will Evans choose to keep the fight standing where he risks a highlight reel knockout?  Or will the outstanding wrestler try to take former Greco-Roman Olympic wrestler to the ground?  Coming off his lethargic and uninspired loss to Antonio Rogerio Nogueira, Evans may force the action and attack, which would please Henderson greatly.  But unchecked aggression in his championship fight against Machida led to a posterization of epic proportions that unsettles Evans to this day.  With power to knock out any man in any division, Henderson seeks to also haunt Evans's nightmares, but the difference in speed and athleticism of the former UFC champion may put victory just out of reach.

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