UFC Tonight: UFC Returning To Atlanta, Dan Henderson Turns Down Fight

http://www.bloodyelbow.com/2012/1/10/2698547/ufc-tonight-ufc-146-atlanta-april-21-dan-henderson-antonio-rogerio-nogueira

The UFC will return to Atlanta, Georgia, for the first time in over three years with UFC 146 on Saturday, April 21. MMA Fighting's Ariel Helwani broke the news on Fuel's "UFC Tonight" and via Twitter Tuesday night.

The last time the UFC ran a show in the city was UFC 88 on September 6, 2008, headlined by Chuck Liddell vs. Rashad Evans. Evans won the fight via second round KO, earning Knockout Of The Night and a shot at then-Light Heavyweight Champion Forrest Griffin.

14,736 filled the Philips Arena that night for a live gate of $2.6 million -- the only time Atlanta has hosted a UFC event. While no fights were announced, expect Georgia's most notable Zuffa fighter -- former WEC Bantamweight Champion Brian Bowles -- to compete on the show, keeping with the UFC trend.

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Also on "UFC Tonight" and Twitter, Helwani gave some interesting insight into how Tuesday's main event announcement of Alexander Gustafsson vs. Antonio Rogerio Nogueira came together. According to Helwani, Dana White originally offered Nogueira to Dan Henderson but Hendo turned the fight down. The plan was that if Rashad Evans defeated Phil Davis at UFC On Fox 2, he would get the next shot at current champion Jon Jones with the Hendo/Nogueira winner being next in line for a title shot. Helwani said Henderson's next fight is in limbo as a result.

his next fight is not in limbo, he just didn't want to fight Nog

his next fight is not in limbo, he just didn't want to fight Nog

i thought so much of it i posted it twice!

i have to say, i'm curious how little nog has worked his way into title contention?

he's done nothing of any note for years.

He wants Jones now and doesnt think much of Nogs recent record. Nog is not in contention.

Yeah Nog is a step down for Hendo. I'd rather see him fight Machida or Rua again.

killerofchicken wrote:

i thought so much of it i posted it twice!

Lucky, I thought it might have been time for bed

I def think Dan should get the next shot at Jones, you have got to award Hendo and Shogun for their instant classic one of the grestest mma fights of all time. Don't be a dick Dana you know Dan deserves that title shot since Rashads already got a fight!

Rashads been next in line since Shogun KOd Machida.

It should be-

Jones vs Hendo with the winner fighting Evans vs Davis winner

freakzilla wrote:

It should be-

Jones vs Hendo with the winner fighting Evans vs Davis winner

THIS

A lot of people think I don't like Hendo but with his run of terror since the Shields fight and at his age to deny him the title fight next would be an injustice!

Dan should get to fight whoever the hell he wants to fight. If he wants a crack at JDS before Reem, I'm fine with that. If he wants the first crack at healthy GSP, I'm fine with that. If he wants to fight Kenny Florian for #1 contender, I'm fine with that.

Hendo is a fucking legend, and with no disrespect to Shad who isn't. Hendo only has a few more years left at best, so give him what he wants since he keeps on winning and making highlight reels for the UFC.

The Jones Shad fight has been delayed for too long he's getting the shot and the PPV numbers go up.

josh200612 wrote:

The Jones Shad fight has been delayed for too long he's getting the shot and the PPV numbers go up.

Go up compared to what? I think Hendo vs Jones would do just as well if not better then Bones vs Shad.

Hendo should get the next shot IMO, I mean come on the man knocked out Fedor and gave us the greatest fight of all time.

Would have been fun to see him face Lil Nog though. In fact haven't they fought before ? didn't Lil Nog submit Dan or was that Big ?

OU wrote:

josh200612 wrote:

The Jones Shad fight has been delayed for too long he's getting the shot and the PPV numbers go up.

Go up compared to what? I think Hendo vs Jones would do just as well if not better then Bones vs Shad.

All of the shit talking and the UFC hyping up that they were training partners you are crazy if you don't think it would sell more than Hendo.

josh200612 wrote:

OU wrote:

josh200612 wrote:

The Jones Shad fight has been delayed for too long he's getting the shot and the PPV numbers go up.

Go up compared to what? I think Hendo vs Jones would do just as well if not better then Bones vs Shad.

All of the shit talking and the UFC hyping up that they were training partners you are crazy if you don't think it would sell more than Hendo.

You think that weak sauce would trump the fact that Hendo is a HOFer and more liked fighter? More people want to see Hendo then Shad.

OU wrote:

wrote:

OU wrote:

josh200612 wrote:

The Jones Shad fight has been delayed for too long he's getting the shot and the PPV numbers go up.

Go up compared to what? I think Hendo vs Jones would do just as well if not better then Bones vs Shad.

All of the shit talking and the UFC hyping up that they were training partners you are crazy if you don't think it would sell more than Hendo.

You think that weak sauce would trump the fact that Hendo is a HOFer and more liked fighter? More people want to see Hendo then Shad.

Yes. Trust me I would love for Hendo to get his hands on Bones but drama sells.

josh200612 wrote:

OU wrote:

wrote:

OU wrote:

josh200612 wrote:

The Jones Shad fight has been delayed for too long he's getting the shot and the PPV numbers go up.

Go up compared to what? I think Hendo vs Jones would do just as well if not better then Bones vs Shad.

All of the shit talking and the UFC hyping up that they were training partners you are crazy if you don't think it would sell more than Hendo.

You think that weak sauce would trump the fact that Hendo is a HOFer and more liked fighter? More people want to see Hendo then Shad.

Yes. Trust me I would love for Hendo to get his hands on Bones but drama sells.

I disagree. The Hendo love would outsell the gay ass "drama" between Jones and Shad.

Black on black crime II > Hendo vs. Bones love fest.

Ali wrote:

Black on black crime II > Hendo vs. Bones love fest.

After the huge letdown for black on black crime 1? Why wasn't Jones vs Rampage black on black crime II? The Shad vs Bones beef isn't fresh anymore. There is mold all over it, people aren't going to eat that up. The Hendo love is eternal.

Turning down this fight was the right move for Dan. He shouldn't even consider ANY fight until Rashad vs Davis is over. If Rashad loses or suffers any kind of injury. Then Dan is ready for a crack at Bones. Only IF Rashad wins and is injury free should he then consider his other options. But if the winner of Munoz-Sonnen is not ready to go then he is also there to take on Spider. So we have 2 fights coming up where both winner have to come out healthy. If not Hendo is there and ready to go. Smart move.