Ben Henderson: 'I hope Eddie makes it to the UFC'

The UFC lightweight division is arguably one of the most competitive in all of the UFC, making it difficult to rise up in the rankings.  However, Ben Henderson has been able to break through, defending his belt twice against the likes of Frankie Edgar and Nate Diaz.

Henderson is set to defend his belt against former Strikeforce lightweight champion Gilbert Melendez.  Henderson is by no means taking his focus off of Melendez, but he went on record, saying he would love to face former Bellator lightweight champion Eddie Alvarez.  In a recent UFC Q & A, Henderson describes the potential bout with Eddie.

“I hope Eddie makes it to the UFC.  It would be great to have him over, he’s a tough fighter. I’m a pretty big fan of Eddie, I love his fighting style.”

If Henderson is able to get past Gilbert, who is a viable contender, Eddie Alvarez more than likely will be his next targeted opponent.  However, Eddie is currently locked up in a court battle with Bellator for rights to his contract.  There is no telling how long this will take until the case gets settled, so Henderson may even have to take another fight until Alvarez has a UFC contract.

Eddie is one of the most powerful punchers in the lightweight division, and he is just as dangerous on the ground in terms of his submissions.  His battle with Michael Chandler was a Fight-Of-The-Year candidate.  Even though Alvarez lost,  it may have been a blessing in disguise as he now has the chance to compete with best inside the UFC.