Former champion Dan Henderson isn’t feeling that burning desire to get back into training and compete inside the Octagon again.
After suffering a controversial loss to Michael Bisping for the middleweight title last year, many wondered if Henderson’s retirement would stick. The 46-year-old, though, told MMA Fighting recently that he is staying on the sidelines.
“No, I don’t have any itch,” Henderson said. “It was enough time, 20 years of doing it (MMA). If I had the itch, I’d go to the gym, spar with my guys, and I’ll be dead for the rest of the day. And that will get rid of the itch.”
Henderson (32-15) went the full 25 minutes with Bisping, who is expected to meet Georges St-Pierre later this year. Early in 2016 he earned a second round finish vs. Hector Lombard.
While times have changed, Henderson will forever be remembered for his durability over a 20-year career. In fact, he only was forced to miss one scheduled fight.
“I only pulled out of one fight in 20 years,” he said. “It was with Jon Jones (for the UFC light heavyweight title). I was probably in the best shape of my whole life. I tore my MCL and my knee was super wobbly. The MCL heals on its own. I tried to give it a couple of weeks. My own doctors said just give it a couple of weeks. I wouldn’t pull out. I was already in shape, dialed in, on my game plan and it was just about saving my leg. But two weeks later, I couldn’t do anything.”
