Michael Bisping Withstands Dan Henderson to Retain Middleweight Crown at UFC 204

Michael Bisping took Dan Henderson’s best shot — twice — and lived to tell the tale. Bisping (30-7, 20-7 UFC) recovered from two knockdowns to retain the Ultimate Fighting Championship middleweight title with a unanimous decision over Henderson in the UFC 204 headliner on Saturday at Manchester Arena in Manchester, England. All three cageside judges sided with “The Count” in the long-awaited rematch, casting 48-47, 48-47 and 49-46 scores in his favor.Henderson (32-15, 9-9 UFC), who announced his retirement afterward, almost went out in a George Foreman-esque blaze of glory. He leveled Bisping with one of his patented right hands late in the first round, swooped into top position and uncorked a series of elbows. Henderson could not finish the job. Bisping retreated to his corner between rounds with severe damage to his left eye, but his fortitude had kept him in the fight. A former two-division Pride Fighting Championships titleholder, Henderson began a slow fade over the final four rounds, though he did manage to connect with another overhand right for a second knockdown late in round two. Bisping again survived, established a rhythm and carved up “Hendo” with punches and kicks from the outside. With his 20th victory inside the Octagon, he passed Georges St. Pierre for sole possession of first place on the UFC’s all-time list. Related » UFC 204 Round-by-Round Scoring Mousasi Annihilates Fading Belfort Former Dream, Strikeforce and Cage Warriors Fighting Championship titleholder Gegard Mousasi swept away Vitor Belfort with second-round punches in the middleweight …

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