In a highly-anticipated rematch, Shogun Rua and Dan Henderson headlined UFC Fight Night 38 in Brazil. These two are the definition of MMA legends and are still going strong. This will be Henderson’s 41st MMA fight and he recently signed a six-fight contract with the UFC. Coming off a great performance against James Te Huna, Shogun Rua received one of the most tantalizing welcomes from the Brazilian crowd as both fighters touched gloves before the fight.
Both fighters showed tremendous respect for either in the first round, picking their shots very carefully and keeping their distance when necessary. Shogun Rua threw several hard leg kicks while Henderson continued to look for his trademark overhand punch. After a bit of a slow start, both fighters started banging and both Shogun Rua and Henderson were rocked at different times. Rua seemed to get the better shot which rocked Henderson for a while, keeping him on the mat and at risk of the ground and pound. Lucky for Henderson, the round ended with Shogun Rua on top.
The second round started with both fighters landing some strikes, both to the body and to the head. Similar to the first round, it seemed like Shogun Rua was getting the better shots. He was able to drop Henderson with an uppercut but Henderson recovered well once agian. Rua was able to keep Henderson on the ground for a significant amount of time before referee Herb Dean stood them up. The second round was an even clearer display of Shogun Rua’s improvements.
The third round could be one of the most unbelievable rounds in a long time. While Shogun Rua won the first two rounds, Henderson came back with one of his classic style victories. He was able to land a well-known right hand to the face of Rua, sending him back and to the ground. Henderson pounced on Rua and was able to finish the Brazilian with punches.
Henderson comes away with his 30th career victory and ends a three-fight losing streak. His last win came against none other than Shogun Rua which shows the long-time veteran is still going strong. His three losses came against Lyoto Machida, Rashad Evans and Vitor Belfort, so to say the 43-year old is on his way out just would not be fair. He will likely continue to headline cards and hopefully we see him make a title run before he hangs up the gloves.
