Dan Henderson doesn’t have a new contract but re-signing with the UFC is looking more and more likely

If you’d asked me a week ago if Dan Henderson was going to re-sign with the UFC I’d have said not likely. I was certain Hendo was Strikeforce-bound as UFC president Dana White seemed adamant that the fighter was asking for far more than the promotion was willing to pay. And Henderson would make a great addition to the Strikeforce roster, especially considering his willingness to fight at middleweight and light heavyweight. Well, I spoke with Henderson yesterday at the grand opening of the Grant Brothers MMA & Boxing Gym in Toronto and I my opinion has changed.

No, Henderson didn’t give any indication one way or the other on the UFC-Strikeforce contract debate. “I expect it will be all sorted out and a new contract signed in the next week or two,” he said cryptically, avoiding confirming which promotion he might be leaning toward. “And I hope to be back in the cage fighting sometime in February.”

But the way he spoke I got the distinct impression that the UFC might be coming around. It makes sense. Two weeks ago the UFC roster was looking fairly solid, so they held all the cards when it came to contract negotiations. But injuries and illnesses have sidelined a number of name draws – including three belt holders and at least as many top contenders – and the UFC is scrambling to put together solid cards for the next two or three months. Dan Henderson would make a heck of an anchor for a card in search of a headliner. I’m sure Henderson realizes this and feels he now has the upper hand in the contract negotiations. Just my gut reaction.