I say that despite all the bull**** that has gone on between Jones and Evans, it is Henderson who deserves it more and Henderson who would provide a more interesting fight and a better test. 3 of Hendo's last 4 fights have been excellent wins: Babalu (KO), Fedor Emelianenko (KO) and most of all, a brilliant win over top-ranked Shogun Rua (pts). (I rate Babalu much higher than I rate Feijao) Rashad's last 3 have been a boring points win over a rusty, borderline shot Rampage, a boring points win over borderline top 10 fighter Thiago Silva, and a TKO win over borderline shot non-top 10 ranked late replacement Tito Ortiz. Jones/Machida winner vs Henderson next please Dana. Let Rashad rematch Rampage or some ****, he's missed his chance and just talking a lot doesn't make you a number 1 contender.
Hendos stamina would be his undoing against Bones I think, I would be interested in seeing what happens if he cracks Jones on the jaw though. I think Hendo has his sights set on rematching Silva though.
Hendo, but I sort of want Rashad to get it so he gets KO'd and ****s off for a bit. He's a cancer in the LHW division.
I agree with this almost in its entirety. Hendo has 3 wins this year alone, 2 of which were absolutely amazing and cemented his place as an all time great of the sport. He is supremely dangerous and has a highlight reel that makes him marketable as a legitimate threat to the seemingly untouchable Jones. Rashad on the other hand hasn't fought anyone in over 18 months who wasn't named Tito Ortiz, and before that hadn't finished anyone since Forrest in 2008. Hendo should get the shot, Rashad can take out someone else in the top 10 (re-match with Rampage, title elminator with Phil Davis)
Rashad is one of my favorite fighters and it would be great if he was the man to beat Bones but after this fight Hendo deserves the title shot
Hendo clearly deserves it more but I hope Rashad gets it because I want to see his Fragile Glass Mandible exploded into shards.
Shogun would ****ing bury Rashad. I'd love to see it. Suga Rashad's feeble punch resistance would be horribly, horribly exposed by a true beast like Rua.
Id say Hendo deserves it more but give it to Rashad. I dont like how Dana promises title shots to guys then goes back on it use Carlos Condit as an example. Rashad was the #1 contender after defeating Rampage and that was a year and half ago, hes beat Ortiz since then give the guy the shot that hes been promised for along time. Hendo needs to sit back and rest after this fight anyway that was a war and you could see how dehydrated Hendo looked after the fight, it really took its toll.
If they could someone make the timing work out, I would like to see Hendo/Rashad for a title shot. Then we can have Rampage/Shogun in Japan if Shogun is able to fight then.
Yeah, so why does being the number 1 contender 18 months ago mean you stay as the number 1 contender forevermore? Rashad was awarded number 1 contender status by Dana, even though it's doubtful he ever deserved it for two dull and largely underwhelming decision wins over Thiago Silva (never a top 5 fighter) and a rusty-as-hell toothless version of Rampage. Being number 1 contender is not the same as being champion, it's not the same at all. A champion keeps his title unless he loses it in the Octagon, but "number 1 contender" is not a title, it's a position awarded to whoever is in the best position at the time a decision is made. Rashad was (debatably) in the best position 18 months ago, but he isn't now. Simple as that. Hendo has superseded him, so Hendo should be the number 1 contender, not Rashad. That's how contendership works. Rashad missed his chance(s) and now should have to get back in line until he earns it again - by doing what he hasn't done since he lost his title - convincingly and impressively defeating a top 5 fighter in his division! Completely different situation to Carlos Condit.