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[HammerFist]

It appears that Dan Henderson’s return to the middleweight division wasn’t a one-time deal to challenge UFC champion Anderson Silva. MMAWeekly.com has confirmed with sources close to the camp of Brazilian Top Team fighter Rousimar Palhares that he has signed to fight Henderson in a 185-pound divisional bout at UFC 88 on Sept. 6 in Atlanta.
Henderson has stated several times in the past that he prefers to fight at light heavyweight, but the bout with Palhares will keep him in the middleweight division, at least for the time being.

Henderson lost his last two bouts, both being title fights. He was defeated by Silva at UFC 82 in Columbus earlier this year and lost in a light heavyweight title bout to Quinton Jackson in September of last year. Prior to those two defeats, Henderson had won two in a row – over Wanderlei Silva and Vitor Belfort – and held both the middleweight and light heavyweight Pride championship belts simultaneously.

One of the fastest rising talents of the Brazilian Top Team, Rousimar Palhares made his Octagon debut last month against Ivan Salaverry at UFC 84. Improving his record to 8-1 as a professional, Palhares also earned Submission of the Night honors and a $75,000 bonus check for his slick submission of Salaverry via armbar.

Palhares has finished six of his eight victories by submission, including both Daniel Acacio and Fabio Negao in one night to win the Fury FC middleweight title. He is widely regarded as one of the most dynamic submission specialists to recently emerge from Brazil.

UFC 88 will take place on Sept. 6 at the Philips Arena in Atlanta. The main event features former light heavyweight champion Chuck Liddell in a battle with undefeated Ultimate Fighter Season 2 winner Rashad Evans.

UFC 88 Bouts (officially announced):
-Chuck Liddell vs. Rashad Evans

UFC 88 Bouts (unannounced):
-Dan Henderson vs. Rousimar Palhares
-James Lee vs. Tim Boetsch

- HENDERSON VS PALHARES LIKELY AT UFC 88 - MMA WEEKLY - Mixed Martial Arts & UFC News, Photos, Rankings & more

[Mirko45]

Wowza, if this is legit then Hendo's time off was so worth the wait

[Ramma]

Thank God.. As much as I don't want to see it, I was hoping they wouldn't give Hendo to Rich next.

If Hendo loses to Rich (which could happen and even may happen).. he'd be 0-3 since his return to the UFC and that is bad.

I wouldn't call it a sure win, but Hendo will take this one.

[BUKKAKALYPSE]

Man i don't wanna see Hendo get sub'd again..this guy looked pretty slick against Ivan

WAR Hendo!!

[notrightn0w]

I think Hendo takes this, probably a late TKO or Decision

Originally Posted by Ramma

Thank God.. As much as I don't want to see it, I was hoping they wouldn't give Hendo to Rich next.

If Hendo loses to Rich (which could happen and even may happen).. he'd be 0-3 since his return to the UFC and that is bad.

I wouldn't call it a sure win, but Hendo will take this one.

Hmm I don't know, I think Hendo beats Rich.

[hunterkiller]

Kind of surprising to see Palhares get a huge jump in competition that quickly but hey, trial by fire right. If Hendo loses, what next. I'd say Hendo via GNP.

[Killinginthenameof]

wow...Palhares is really movin' up the ladder. he has a great record, hope the fight with Hendo is a good one. Hendo did get submitted by Silva and Palhares looks like a brick shithouse and has BJJ skilz....damn, should be a good one.....i gotta say that i can't wait for Hendo/Rich though. that's the next mega MW fight.

[carbondioxide830]

holy shit. awesome fight. i wish it could happen sooner like at 87, but i guess i'll stick it out. i want hendo to win, but i wouldnt be surprised to see palhares win via some sick ass sub.

[smoogy]

Understandable angle (a continuation of the Team Quest vs. BTT rivalry) but the matchmaking is a bit odd, unless they are thinking Toquinho = the future and Hendo = somewhat expendable older fighter who may transition into a jobber like Matt Hughes

[Dr. MMA]

Originally Posted by smoogy

Understandable angle (a continuation of the Team Quest vs. BTT rivalry) but the matchmaking is a bit odd, unless they are thinking Toquinho = the future and Hendo = somewhat expendable older fighter who may transition into a jobber like Matt Hughes

Well that's being a little drastic isn't it? I doubt UFC is already thinking of Palhares as the future and thinking that Hendo's best days are behind him. They just probably think it's a very good matchup. Hendo has the better wrestling and standup to win this fight but on the ground... palhares has shown some sick transitions and subs...and I'm not just talking about his fight with salaverry.

Imo Hendo may win this by TKO because even though he's a great wrestler, he loves to stand and bang, so palhares is a good opponent for him. However, if Palhares wins and if Almeida beats Cote... please have them fight each other for the #1 contendorship... that ground battle would be amaaazzzing!