Middleweight Mayhem!

Before the exodus of some of the elite heavyweights in the UFC, the Middleweight division was by in large considered the thinnest weight class talent wise. The UFC must have taken notice given the plethora of fighters moving into the 185lb realm.

Enter "Hendo"
First an foremost "Dangerous" Dan Henderson who held Pride FC's welterweight and middleweight belts simultaneously during his tenure with the organization. Henderson lost a hard fought decision to the reigning light heavyweight champion Quinton "Rampage" Jackson in London last year, in what was his first fight since returning to the UFC. "Hendo" as he is so affectionately referred to, was a bit stubborn about moving down in weight at first as he felt more comfortable at 205lbs. Dana White has a way of getting what he wants however and eventually talked Dan into going to Middleweight to unify the Pride and UFC belts in that division. Facing the devistating striker, and BJJ Black Belt Anderson Silva.

The Showdown

Dan Henderson has publicly stated that he does not beleive Silva to be the number one pound for pound fighter he is so widely regarded as, citing his losses in Japan, and not fighting the highest caliber wrestlers, as the reason for his conclusion. The fact that Henderson's teammate Ryo Chonnen has a win over Silva in Pride can only be adding to his confidence. Anderson Silva has been on a tear for a long time now decimating his opposition thus far in the UFC. Hendo will most likely be the toughest test to his skillset, and beleives that he WANTS to be in Silva's clinch, where he says he can dominate.

TUF Middleweights
The latest season of the TUF will feature an all Middleweight cast, and will be coached by LHW champ Quentin "Rampage" Jackson, and Challenger Forrest Griffen. Hopefully this yeilds some good prospects, and adds to the depth of the division.

Of Note
Ricardo Almeida has returned to the UFC after a long layoff, with an impressive submission.

Patrick Cote has been realizing his potential recently, and looks to get his shot at gold after a couple of notable wins.

The other Middleweight showdown happening this weekend is between Yushin Okami and a newly returned Evan Tanner. Tanner is coming off a two year layoff to face Okami.