Both of these guys are going to be hungry for a win. Henderson's career could be seriously hurt if he loses, and Franklin is probably hungry to take on the LHW division and earn another championship title.

Dan has good knockout power, but he tends to throw wild haymakers. I think Rich will look to keep him away with his jab and probably utilize some kicks too. We'll probably see Henderson try to go for a takedown, but Franklin has a decent sprawl and he's really impressed me with his takedown defense in his recent fights.

Even if Henderson gets him to the ground, I think it will be a repeat of the first round of Henderson vs Anderson Silva, ie Henderson won't be able to do much damage. Rich has some submissions, but probably not good enough to submit Henderson.

Hendersons best chance is probably to clinch up with Franklin and push him against the cage to utilize some dirty boxing and knees, and from time to time push out and go for a big knockout swing at close range. The one variable is to see how well Franklin has learned to deal with guys controlling him in stand up grappling after getting clinched by Anderson Silva.

Overall, I don't see Henderson getting in enough takedowns or enough clean punches to win. If Franklin can keep the distance and kickbox with Henderson, he can win. But Henderson's jaw is probably too good for Franklin to get a knockout.

Victory Franklin, probably by decision

A couple of years ago this match would have never even made me think.When you thin dream matches from Pride vs Ufc i couldn't imagine this running anything but a close last if at all.
Now though after see how poorly the fights are going for all the amazing pride fighters ie sliva ,hendo,shogun, big nog, and sokodju and with the one that have become ufc champs but were poop in pride it is really hard to call.
But i honestly think that Hendo still has one of the best camps in mma right now and he will adapt to cage fighting more and more with each match. Rich i always thought was overrated he was the champ of a very weak division and when real talent got in the ring well we all saw what happened.
Prediction Hendo dec.

I think as long as Franklin has learned from his fights with Silva he will win by submission or take a points win. Never say never though, he may well just get pouded out.

I still say Franklin via sub/brains.

I think as long as Franklin has learned from his fights with Silva he will win by submission or take a points win. Never say never though, he may well just get pouded out.

I still say Franklin via sub/brains.

if he didnt learn between silva 1 and 2 i wouldnt bet on him being just amazing this time.
rember silva never finished hendo but he spanked rich so we'll see

if he didnt learn between silva 1 and 2 i wouldnt bet on him being just amazing this time.
rember silva never finished hendo but he spanked rich so we'll see

haha silva hasnt gone past second round in any off his fights. He spanked them both!

tbh im surprised this made a headline fight. It's definetely not the fight ive been waiting for for years. Fucking promoters!! but anyway it should be interesting both being destroyed by silva.

Henderson has awesome cardio so if it goes the full 5 rounds franklin could be in some trouble. Franklin will have too have a knockdown and finish him or submit him.

I predict Henderson by points.

rich franklin is extremely boring and overrated. It will be a dull fight. Fortunately there's Fedor and arlovski fighting a week later. UFC 94 should be good too.

Rich going to win. I'd rather watch UFC 94 instead.

GSP Vs. BJ Penn, for the mother fuckin WIN!!!

I cannot believe so many people are backing Rich. Dan Henderson is a fucking hero, his chin is made of titanium, he has atom bombs for fists and his wrestling is insane.
WAR HENDO!

I cannot believe so many people are backing Rich. Dan Henderson is a fucking hero, his chin is made of titanium, he has atom bombs for fists and his wrestling is insane.
WAR HENDO!

This fight is very evenly matched and it could go either way. Although Henderson has probably experienced harder competition than Franklin has, I think Franklins style will be difficult for Henderson's style to overcome.