Benson Henderson makes quick return, meets Rafael dos Anjos in Tulsa
Benson Henderson isn't wasting any time.
The former UFC lightweight champion just fought earlier this month against Rustam Khabilov in Albuquerque. He'll be back at it at again, headlining UFC Fight Night against Rafael dos Anjos on Aug. 23 in Tulsa, Okla., according to a report from the Tulsa World. UFC officials confirmed the bout. The card will air live on FOX Sports 1.
Henderson (21-3) was extremely impressive in submitting Khabilov in the fourth round June 7. It was his first finish since he choked out Donald Cerrone in 2010 while still in WEC.
Henderson, who fights out of the MMA Lab in Arizona, has won two in a row after dropping the lightweight title to Anthony Pettis in August 2013. He defeated Josh Thomson by split decision in January at FOX UFC Saturday. The 30-year-old is ranked No. 1 among lightweight contenders in the UFC, but has already lost twice to Pettis.
After beating Khabilov, Henderson said he's ready to battle anyone who wants to fight for the belt. Dos Anjos (21-7) is apparently that guy. He also fought on the Albuquerque card, beating Jason High by TKO. The 29-year-old Brazilian is No. 5 in the lightweight contender rankings. He had previously lost to Khabib Nurmagomedov in April at FOX UFC Saturday, but before that strung together five straight wins in one of the UFC's toughest divisions.
Two other contender bouts have been put together for UFC Fight Night Tulsa at BOK Center. Welterweights Thiago Alves and Jordan Mein will meet and Tim Elliott fights Wilson Reis in a flyweight scrap.
