For the second time, the Ultimate Fighting Championship will offer a championship fight on network television as Benson Henderson (17-2) and Nate Diaz (16-7) are set to clash for the lightweight belt in the main event of UFC on FOX 5, scheduled for Dec. 8.
News of the bout was passed along by the folks at MMA Junkie.
Henderson, 28, successfully defended his title for the first time against Frankie Edgar, albeit the decision was slightly controversial as a portion of viewers believed Edgar won the bout. Henderson will turn around quickly for his second fight in less four months when he puts his belt up for grabs on free TV.
Diaz, 27, earned his shot at the title at UFC on FOX 3 earlier this year, submitting Jim Miller in the second round. The Stockton native was named the No. 1 contender after the win and had the option of taking another fight in the interim or waiting for his title shot, he opted to wait and it was obviously the right choice as he will be the first fighter to headline a FOX twice.
The supporting cast for the organization’s fifth effort on FOX will see Mauricio “Shogun” Rua (21-6) take on Alexanderson Gustafsson (14-1) in a light heavyweight bout and former UFC champion BJ Penn (16-8-2) come out of retirement to clash with welterweight prospect Rory MacDonald (13-1).
A fourth bout for the card is expected to be announced in the coming days.
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