Looks like the next title challenger for UFC light heavyweight crown will be decided sooner than later.
According to a report on last night’s edition of UFC Tonight, the winner of Dan Henderson vs. Daniel Cormier will face the victor of either Jones/Glover Teixeira vs. Alexander Gustafsson.
Gustafsson, who pushed Jones to the limit at UFC 165 in September, earned a rematch after easily dispatching of previously undefeated Jimi Manuwa at last month.
“The Mauler” anxiously awaits the winner of Jones vs. Glover Teixeira at UFC 172 on April 26.
While Henderson vs. Cormier doesn’t officially have a date yet, the bout is expected to take place at UFC 175 in Las Vegas on Fourth of July weekend.
The undefeated Cormier (14-0), a former Olympic-level wrestler, has been aggressively campaigning for a shot at “Bones” long before dropping down to 205 pounds in February.
“DC” is 3-0 inside the Octagon since making his debut with the promotion about one year ago.
While Henderson, an ex-Strikeforce and Pride champion, is just 2-3 in his past five bouts, the 43-year-old is fresh off a stunning come-from-behind knockout over Mauricio “Shogun” Rua at UFC Fight Night 38 late last month.
Coincidentally, his only other win during this roughly three-and-a-half year time span was a wildly entertaining five-round affair with Rua. The bout was widely viewed as 2011’s “Fight of the Year.”
“Hendo” somehow inexplicably remains a title contender at 43 years old, a feat only matched by one of his old training partner, Randy Couture.