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Benson Henderson Embraces Dangerous Test For Welterweight Debut At UFC Fight Night 60

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By @RickLaFitte

 

Benson Henderson battles Donald Cerrone at UFC Fight Night 59

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Former UFC lightweight champion Benson Henderson had previously teased a move to welterweight, and will test those waters later this month at Fight Night 60 in Colorado.

Henderson has stepped up to the plate for what looms as a dangerous assignment against Brandon Thatch. The promotion will undoubtedly hold “Smooth” in high regard for asking for the bout and making a quick turnaround after Stephen Thompson was forced out of the Feb. 14 main event battle with Thatch due to a rib injury.

The event had already taken a major hit when the initial headliner between Matt Brown and Tarec Saffiedine was scuttled because of an injury sustained by the Belgian fighter.

Henderson will be looking to end the first two-fight slide of his career and is coming off a controversial decision loss to Donald Cerrone at Fight Night 59 in Boston. The talented former 155-pound kingpin can make a strong first impression in his new weight class if he’s able to get by “Rukus.”

Henderson has compiled a 9-3 Octagon record, but has dropped three of his last five fights. He’s faced the best that the lightweight division has had to offer during his career in the UFC and WEC, and is now looking to make some noise in the 170-pound ranks.

Thatch is a wrecking machine, with all 11 of his career wins coming by knockout or submission. He’s gone 2-0 in his UFC career with first-round stoppages of Justin Edwards and Paulo Thiago. A win over Henderson would have him knocking on the door of a top 15 ranking, and solidify him as one of the most dangerous up-and-coming prospects in the division.

Thatch’s positive momentum since his blitzing of Thiago at Fight Night 32 in Brazil has been derailed by injuries. He didn’t fight at all in 2014. This represents a huge opportunity for the 29-year-old Colorado native against a major name.

It’s not often that a short-notice injury replacement actually leads to a better fight, but as dynamic as Thompson has proven to be, Henderson vs. Thatch actually provides more intrigue. It’ll be very interesting to see if welterweight proves a solid fit for Henderson, or whether Thatch will make the former lightweight titlist regret his decision to move up a division.

Rick LaFitte is an MMA Writer for Rant Sports

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