Is Dan Henderson on the verge of being the American ATG?

Dan Henderson is an ATG, let alone an American one. He's similar to B-Hop in the way that you never really expect him to get knocked out and he never does, and in MMA it's super impressive.

 

I think he's up there. I personally wouldn't put ahead of Hughes or Couture, but he has time to change that unlike those two.

 

If there is a rematch Dawson/Hop I think you will see Hop KOED for the first time !

 

Had Henderson had a 20-0 start in MMA beating Big Nog and Little Nog and some cans in between. The perception would completely change, he would have been the GOAT by far.

But the guy is a phenomenon, he could easily fight up to 45 and beat some more guys in the process.

We are way too influenced by the "0". We must consider the total body of work fighting at a high level.

 

atg

1. fedor
2. henderson
3. silva
4 gsp
5. big nog

 

Henderson has got better as his got older. Whilst he was a excellent fighter as a young pro he was beaten by 'better' fighters. Much like B Hop though his longevity is unparalleled.

 

Correct but He's also beaten some top guys early on. I mean if twist of fate was any different, he could have been 15-0 in Pride and at that point a loss to Rampage in the UFC wouldnt matter to his legacy. And what he has accomplished lately would be almost incomprehensible.

In reality now, his lost to Rampage is still unfairly held against his legacy. Think about it a couple of loses and a couple of wins at the "right" time and he would have been GOAT no doubt with his resume.