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Dan Henderson open to fighting Sonnen.

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Dan Henderson open to UFC fight against teammate Chael Sonnen

Two long time friends and training partners in Dan Henderson and Chael Sonnen are both gunning for the light heavyweight title currently held by Jon Jones. Henderson was earlier promised a title shot, but Sonnen had somehow leap-frogged over a bunch of contenders and is currently set to face Jones at UFC 159, following a coaching gig on The Ultimate Fighter.

This gifted title shot has irked Hendo before, and while they have still remained friends since, the former PRIDE champion has stated that he is willing to face his teammate in the UFC. Henderson told Tatame about it. (HT: MMAMania):

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"We're friends, but above all we fight now in the same category and therefore have the same goal. We both compete for the same belt."

"Our friendship is more than a title and we are professional enough to let the rivalry be just inside the Octagon. It would be a different situation, but our profession in this type of situation is quite possible to happen."

Booking a fight between Sonnen and Henderson still isn't close to happening yet though, as the hypothetical match up would only make sense when both fighters win their next fights against Jon Jones and Lyoto Machida respectively.

Either way, this must've been music to Dana White's ears, having had problems with other teammates unwilling to face each other in the past, and recently having a stance that more MMA fighters should follow in Mayweather's footsteps when building training camps.

Source: http://www.bloodyelbow.com/2013/1/7/...e-chael-sonnen

Probably ain't gonna happen though since I have Machida and Jones winning their fights. Just for discussion sake though, who do you think wins in a fight between Sonnen and Henderson?

I never got this in the first place. I'm now an eastsideboxing guy who says "WHY AREN'T THE KLITSCHKOS FIGHTING? THEY ARE PUSSI*ES!" but at the end of the day, I'd have NO problem fighting my best mate, just for fun, let alone having the UFC championship on the line.

That being said, it would be an interesting fight. Hendo KOs him to hell on the feet, but could Sonnen take him down? Hendo has fought at HW so he has some size, but Chael has the ability to take anyone down. Hendo a clear fav though, but Sonnen has the oppertunity to beat any non BJJ fighter.

I'm glad they think that way but they aren't winning their next fights.

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Originally Posted by TheLyotoLegion (Post 1667584)

I'm glad they think that way but they aren't winning their next fights.

This. Also, when they both lose thier next fights I think they shoud fight each other anyway. Winner gets Gustaf for possible title eliminator/contendership.

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Originally Posted by Tyson Fury (Post 1667589)

This. Also, when they both lose thier next fights I think they shoud fight each other anyway. Winner gets Gustaf for possible title eliminator/contendership.

I think Chael will retire if he loses to Jones.

He's up to 240 now, which is the reason he's fighting at 205 anyway, so a Middleweight run is out of the question even if Anderson retired tomorrow, Chael can't get back down there not without endangering himself and I don't think this will be like Anderson/Chael where Chael has a ton of success. He's trying to set up a fight with Rampage but I don't think Rampage wants to fight him.

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Originally Posted by TheLyotoLegion (Post 1667593)

Interesting idea. I haven't heard any rumours or anything from Sonnen or his camp but It's definately logical. Rampage is chomping at the bit to leave the company so theres no way he'll be fighting again after his next one. Sonnen could always float around the LHW division but of course he won't have the same success at LHW as he did at MW. Okami, Stann and a debatable decision against Bisping are his best wins. At LHW he will come up against Gustaf, Rashad, Phil Davis, Hendo, Machida etc. Include JBJ and Daniel Comier in that list and thats 7 fighters straight away I see as having a good chance against, if not beating, Chael. I like Sonnen but if he doesn't retire like you mentioned I can see him doing a Rich Frankiln, being #2 at MW but barley in top 10 at LHW.

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Originally Posted by TheLyotoLegion (Post 1667593)

I think Chael will retire if he loses to Jones.

I agree, he will just move over to commentating. I can't blame him really, it's steadier work and he still gets the spotlight he wants.

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Originally Posted by Tyson Fury (Post 1667599)

Bisping fight wasn't debatable, Chael clearly won in my eyes and even so Marquardt was a much better win than Bisping and Stann, he was ranked number 2 at the time and everyone thought he'd steam roll Chael and get another fight with Anderson but Chael completely put it on him and that's when he emerged as a star.

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Originally Posted by TheLyotoLegion (Post 1667621)

OK, let me elaborate. The Bisping fight was debatable in alot of peoples eyes. As far as Marquardt goes, I guess I've never really rated him, thats why I didn't mention him. Still, that fight was nearly 3 years ago and wanted to go with more recent wins.

Its all besides the point anyway. My point was that Chael would have a harder time at LHW than at MW. Thus making your point valid. :thumbsup:

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Originally Posted by TheLyotoLegion (Post 1667593)

Why couldn't he just stay at 205 and have fun fights?

Sonnen/Rashad

Sonnen/Nog

Sonnen/Machida

Sonnen/Forrest

Hey, he talked crap to those Brazilians. So time to pay the piper. Rashad would be a fun fight. Sonenn/Forrest is a winnable fight for him to get back to winning and a decent matchup.

I don't see why he has to retire