Michael Bisping v Dan Henderson: What just happened.

The main event of UFC 204 seen a homecoming for UFC Middleweight champion Michael Bisping who defended his title against former foe Dan Henderson who planned on retiring regardless of the result of this contest. The American Henderson, as expected entered the 'lion's den' as he received a hostile reception in the champion Bisping's, back yard. The former Middleweight and Welterweight Pride champion already has gotten the better of Bisping, KOing Bisping back at UFC 100 with a vicious 'H-Bomb'. Bisping made his way to the octagon mobbed by his fans as Song 2 from 'Blur' backed the Brit. Looking determined to avenge his previous loss to Henderson, Bisping looked to continue his unbeaten record in his home country. Bruce Buffer's introduction of Henderson only served to heighten the boos for the American underdog, whereas Bisping received a huge ovation from his home country. Referee Yves Lavigne got us underway in the rematch with a very tentative feeling out process for both men in the early exchanges of the first round. Herderson missed with a huge right hand which had knockout written all over as Bisping cleverly slipped. Bisping was dominating octagon control and working his jab well keeping Henderson at distance and preventing him from moving in. Henderson attempted a single leg as Bisping wriggled free with just under 2 minutes left in the first round. Henderson again just missed with an overhand right as Bisping kept his distance after using his jab. Henderson from out of nowhere managed to land a huge right hand which knocked down Bisping as history looked to be repeating itself, but Bisping was lucky to recover and made it to the second round. The second round began with Bisping again dominating octagon control. The knockdown for Henderson now forces Bisping to be more aggressive rather than just out pointing Henderson over the five scheduled round. Once again Bisping was using his jab effectively, keeping Henderson out of range. Henderson then changed gears and landed a right which forced Bisping back once more. Bisping was changing his approach looking to swarm Henderson when given the chance before urging Henderson was hurt with a body shot and looked to finish, but Henderson's right hand was there again as he dropped Bisping for a second time, but the Manchester native once again survived to see the start of the third. The third with Bisping the aggressor landing a good right hand on 'Hendo's' chin. Bisping again dominating octagon control landed a good leg kick which slowed Henderson with just under 2 minutes left in the third. Bisping again seen a good body kick land as Henderson looked tired with under a minute left in the third round. Hernderson looked completely empty at the beginning of the fourth round with Bisping once more keeping the pressure on 46 year old American. With just under 3 minutes remaining in the fourth round, Henderson received some time to recover from a second groin strike and Yves Lavigne told how he would deduct a point if a groin strike were to occur a 3rd time. Bisping was taunting Henderson as he attempted to recover. After the break, Henderson was feinting well with Bisping again keeping the pressure on the veteran. Henderson just missed with another overhand right which could have sent Bisping to the mat for a third time. Just before the conclusion of the fourth, Henderson landed a good knee in the Thai clinch as they entered the fifth and final round. The fifth and final round began with both men touching gloves with Bisping missing with a wild wheel kick. Henderson then put a good combination together with 4 minutes left in the round. Henderson again went close with a right hand which Bisping slipped once more. Half way through the fifth and final round seen Bisping again pushing the pace, but also keeping his distance. Henderson slipped inside the pocket and landed a good right hand before landing a great takedown which could sway the judges if they go the distance. Bisping defended a single leg attempt from Henderson with 20 seconds left in the round. Both men threw it all on the line as they went the distance in an excellent fight. The official decision came through the with the judges handing the unanimous decision victory to Michael Bisping as his unbeaten run in the UK continued.

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Ross