UFC Fight Night 32 came to us last night (Nov. 9, 2013) from Brazil with a main event at Light Heavyweight between Dan Henderson and Vitor Belfort. Belfort was favored at the books and he came through with an aggressive first round KO, his third stoppage in a row. Henderson may have thought the stoppage was early, and he looked to be defending by attacking Belfort’s leg when the stoppage came, but Belfort had landed punches and kicks that clearly had the former Pride champion in big trouble. This could be the end for Dan Henderson. “Hendo” is a legend and he can remain that way by going out now. He’s too classy to end his career on a Dan Severn like B and C class farewell tour, which is a good thing, but Dan ‘s options in the UFC are limited. He is still at the top of the pay scale, but has dropped three in a row and is heading into his mid forties. This last fight was at 205 lbs, and back when Sonnen took his place a match between Henderson and Jon Jones might have been interesting, but it isn’t anymore and Henderson likely doesn’t have it in him the two wins or so it would require to get him back in the title picture. At Middleweight, perhaps there is an appealing match or two that could be made for Henderson, but the division has seen an influx of talent (Machida, Mousasi, Jacare) lately that means Henderson is far from next for the title holder at 185 lbs. This bout was also the last on his current contract with UFC. Meanwhile, Vitor Belfort is the winner of three in a row, and he’s scored three knockout wins in a row over top names at Middleweight and Light Heavyweight now with Hendo on his resume. One thing is a fact, that Belfort will talk about wanting titles and his legacy, but what he really wants is paydays. Belfort could very well be next up for Chris Weidman, should Weidman defend his title successfully against Anderson Silva in December. If he wins, Weidman’s next challenge is likely to be Brazilian, in the form of Lyoto Machida or Belfort, and with his recent track record, his legendary status and his likely big push for the fight will likely see Belfort edge Machida for the shot. If Silva wins back his title, Belfort could push for a rematch with Silva, and likely will. If Silva wins back the title, will they go right back and do Silva-Weidman III? If that is not the case, then Weidman coming off a loss to Silva would still make the best logical opponent for Belfort The rest of the card was quick and efficient, with a lot of first round KO’s. Several foreigners broke through to take out Brazilians in Brazil, including fast rising Brandon Thatch, incoming Middleweight Omari Akhmedov and veteran Sam Sicilia, Look for a step up fight for some of these winners, particularly Thatch, who has earned the label of a fighter to watch. Event highlights: Vitor Belfort vs Dan Henderson
Rafael Cavalcante vs Igor Pokrajac