Chris Weidman doubtful Dan Henderson retires if he wins middleweight title at UFC 204

The rematch between Dan Henderson and UFC middleweight champion Michael Bisping set for UFC 204 is one of those strange match-ups that pops up ever so often in this sport, a fight created less on merit and more to appease the will of the fans.

Henderson, at the age of 45, is one of the true legends of the game, and although nearly five years have passed since he last won back-to-back fights, his brutal finish over Hector Lombard at UFC 199 was convincing enough to allow him to step in as the No. 12 ranked middleweight and challenge for the title in his swan song before exiting into retirement.

Not surprisingly, the decision to allow Henderson to jump the line drew criticism from many within the UFC’s middleweight division, most vocally top contender Ronaldo “Jacare” Souza. And while former UFC champion Chris Weidman shares Souza’s disappointment, he also understands and can somewhat appreciate the uniqueness of the situation.”I think it’s kind of stupid, but I also don’t like complaining about something that’s already done,” Weidman said Monday on The MMA Hour. “It is what it is, and because it’s a done deal, you focus on the facts, and it’s a cool thing for Dan Henderson. He’s 46 years old and he gets the chance to retire with winning the belt. So you’ve got to be happy for him. I can’t complain too much.

“I was complaining when it mattered, because I just didn’t think he deserved the shot at all, and to set the precedent for the future of the sport, that is not good. It kind of takes away from working your way to fight for the title. I can go …

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