Should Dan Henderson Leave The UFC?
A Look At The Decision The Middleweight Standout Needs To Make
Nov 3, 2009
Dan Henderson is without a doubt one of the premier middleweights in the world, and he may even make the 'pound for pound' lists of some. However, despite this, his lawyers are currently at a contractual stalemate with the UFC and have even been speaking to other promotions. Henderson's contract with the UFC has run out, and there is now uncertainty about whether he will re-sign with the organisation.
Why Is Henderson Not Signing?
While this hasn't been made entirely clear, it seems that the main sticking point between the UFC and Henderson is money. Reports from Yahoo Sports claim that Henderson is requesting $5,000,000 per fight, which would make him the highest paid fighter in the UFC.
Henderson, in an interview with MMAWeekly.com recently stated that he's 'not doing charity work' and that 'he knows for a fact' he's taking 'less money than other fighters'. He also went on to say that he doesn't think he's asked the UFC for 'too much money'.
While Henderson is obviously a trustworthy, first hand source, he didn't mention any specific figures, and if the $5,000,000 figure is true, he is being unreasonable. He would be the highest paid fighter in the organisation by quite some distance, despite the fact fighters like Brock Lesnar and Georges St. Pierre get larger pay per view buyrates than 'Hendo'. In this economic climate, Henderson just isn't worth $5,000,000 a fight, and the UFC are right to stick to their guns if this is the case.
Another reason that 'Hendo' might not be signing though is a much simpler concept. Henderson has been promised a title shot for quite a while now, and after his hugely impressive win over Michael Bisping, he must have been expecting a rematch with Anderson Silva.
This was not to be the case though. Dana White seems to be very keen on him meeting Nate 'The Great' Marquardt in some kind of eliminator, although the Bisping fight was also meant to lead to a title shot. Henderson must now be wondering who he has to beat and how impressively he must do it in order to be in the running for a title shot. It is highly possible therefore that a condition of Henderson re-signing is a guaranteed shot at Silva sometime soon.
Would The Grass Be Greener Elsewhere?
Henderson's associates have been talking to UFC rival Strikeforce, although it is believed there is no agreement even approaching being close to finalisation. Besides, one must consider what Strikeforce actually could do for Henderson with regards to big fights.
A bout against Cung Le would be an definite blockbuster, although it isn't apparent whether Le will come back to MMA yet, or if he will just remain as a movie star. The winner of Jason Miller vs. Jake Shields would also present some interesting challenges to Henderson, although this probably wouldn't reap the financial rewards Henderson is seemingly looking for. The likes of Robbie Lawler and Frank Shamrock seem to be well past their best, leaving Nick Diaz as the only fighter that Henderson could viably fight in Strikeforce right now.
Nick Diaz is on a good run at the minute and he always comes to fight. A bout between him and Henderson could be a classic, but that is seemingly all there is at 185lbs for Henderson in Strikeforce. A move up in weight would open doors for fights against people such as Gegard Mouassi and 'King' Mo Lawal, but whether Henderson would want to do this is debatable.
In the UFC, Henderson is still a very relevant force, and fights against Nate Marquardt and Anderson Silva are potential blockbusters. Furthermore, the UFC looks after their 'legends' well, finding the right fights for them, and there is probably more money to be made through the UFC than Strikeforce, even if the $5,000,000 per fight he wants isn't there for the taking.
Should He Stay Or Should He Go?
Right now, it appears that the UFC is simply the place to be for 'Hendo'. There are big fights waiting for him, and in all probability he will be able to make a better living there than at Strikeforce. Henderson may just be haggling for the best deal possible right now, and all this press suggesting he may leave could well be a tactic from 'Team Henderson' to scare the UFC into giving him an inflated offer. Look for Henderson to have re-signed with the UFC in the next month on a five or six fight deal.
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