Image via Fuel Tv
Dan Henderson is not to thrilled these days with the UFC’s decision to give Chael Sonnen a shot at Jon Jones for the UFC light heavyweight championship.
Henderson has been a staple in mixed martial arts for many years now, and even earned a shot to challenge Jon Jones for the coveted belt. He was forced out of the fight, however, due to a knee injury for UFC 151. Chael would then step in because it was made apparent by him that no one else would take the bout when they were asked. In a recent interview with Ariel Helwani on The MMA Hour, Henderson shared his thoughts about Chael’s match up with Jones.
“I absolutely think it was a bad decision for the sport. It just makes the sport lose a little bit of integrity. I understand that [Dana White] does what he does for the UFC and always has, first and foremost. He tries to accommodate the fighters as he can, but it’s more about saving the ratings on The Ultimate Fighter show, and I understand that.”
Dan has every right to be upset with the UFC’s decision. In terms of relevancy in the division, Chael has done nothing in the light heavyweight division to warrant a title shot. He is also coming off a loss, which makes a title shot even more absurd when you think about it.
Sure, Dana is trying to save TUF, but maybe it’s time to pull the plug. The show has failed miserably as of late in terms of getting viewers in engaged, and it just seems like the show has plateaued off into obscurity.
For Henderson, he just needs to keep training and bide his time. His shot will come eventually because he is one of the only fighters in the light heavyweight division to be on a four fight winning streak over some tough and durable opponents.
It will be interesting to see what type of relationship Dan has with Chael going forward. The two have been training partners for many years, and hopefully a rift doesn’t grow between them because they both benefit when they have each other by their side. Who knows; we might even see Dan by Chael’s side on the TUF if we’re lucky.
