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Benson Henderson faces Brandon Thatch in main event for UFC Fight Night in Colorado

Published Feb. 1, 2015 1:31 a.m. ET

Damon Martin

Former UFC lightweight champion Benson Henderson has long toyed with the idea of taking fights at 170-pounds and with a main event slot open in two weeks he's officially making the move.

Henderson has officially accepted the headline bout against up and coming welterweight Brandon Thatch at UFC Fight Night in Colorado on February 14.

UFC officials announced the fight following the close of UFC 183 in Las Vegas.

Henderson most recently fought at UFC Fight Night in Boston just two weeks ago, losing a close decision to Donald 'Cowboy' Cerrone. The loss marked the second in a row for Henderson -- something he's never experienced before during his career.

Following the fight, Henderson immediately jumped into another bout against Jorge Masvidal at UFC Fight Night in Fairfax, Virginia on April 4, but when this main event opened up, he made the call to the UFC asking to take the bout with Thatch instead.

It appears the UFC liked the idea especially with two main event changes to the card already with previous injuries to Tarec Saffiedine as well as Stephen 'Wonderboy' Thompson just a day ago.

Henderson will make the move to welterweight at least temporarily for the chance to face one of the welterweight division's rising stars as Thatch fights close to home coming from the Denver area.

UFC Fight Night: Henderson vs. Thatch takes place from Broomfield, Colorado on Saturday, February 14 with the card airing live on FOX Sports 1.

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