Dan Henderson

Daniel Jeffery Henderson, an American retired mixed martial artist and Olympic wrestler, was born on August 24, 1970. He achieved numerous championships and titles in his MMA career, becoming a significant figure in the sport.

Dan Henderson achieved success in high school wrestling, earning medals at the California State Wrestling Championships in 1987 and 1988. He was a key member of the 1987 Victor Valley High School wrestling team state champions.

Dan Henderson achieved the titles of USA Junior National Freestyle and Greco Roman Champion in 1988.

In 1990, Dan Henderson became the FILA Junior World Greco Roman Champion.

Dan Henderson achieved the title of university national champion in 1991 during his college years.

Dan Henderson represented the United States in Greco-Roman wrestling at the 1992 Summer Olympics, showcasing his exceptional talent and dedication to the sport on the global stage.

Dan Henderson claimed the title of National Champion at the senior level in 1993, demonstrating his prowess in wrestling.

In 1994, Dan Henderson achieved the prestigious title of National Champion at the senior level, solidifying his position as a top wrestler.

Dan Henderson competed in Greco-Roman wrestling for the United States at the 1996 Summer Olympics, demonstrating his skills and commitment as an Olympic-level athlete.

Dan Henderson made his professional debut in MMA on June 15, 1997.

Dan Henderson made his debut in the octagon on May 15, 1998.

Dan Henderson won the Rings: King of Kings Tournament in 1999 by defeating notable competitors such as Gilbert Yvel, Antônio Rodrigo Nogueira, and Renato Sobral. Despite being outweighed by more than 30 pounds, Henderson emerged as the champion after winning all five of his fights.

In 2000, Dan Henderson started competing in PRIDE Fighting Championships and became the first fighter to simultaneously hold titles in two different weight classes in a major MMA organization.

Dan Henderson won the Welterweight tournament at Pride Shockwave 2005 by defeating Murilo Bustamante in a split decision. Henderson also knocked out Ryo Chonan and Akihiro Gono in the opening rounds of the tournament.

Dan Henderson became the Middleweight Champion at Pride 33 by scoring a knockout victory against Wanderlei Silva. This victory made him the first fighter to hold titles in two different weight classes simultaneously in a major MMA organization.

Dan Henderson faced UFC middleweight champion Anderson Silva at UFC 82 to unify the Pride welterweight and UFC middleweight championships. Despite winning the first round, Henderson lost via submission in the second round by rear naked choke.

Dan Henderson achieved his first UFC victory by defeating Rousimar Palhares at UFC 88 with a unanimous decision.

Dan Henderson faced Rich Franklin at UFC 93 in Dublin, Ireland, winning via split decision after an eye-poke incident.

Dan Henderson delivered a memorable knockout victory over Michael Bisping at UFC 100, solidifying his place in MMA history with one of the sport's most iconic moments.

Dan Henderson signed a deal with Strikeforce after his UFC contract expired, making his debut against Jake Shields on April 17, 2010.

Dan Henderson lost to Jake Shields by unanimous decision after five rounds.

Dan Henderson faced Renato Sobral on December 4, 2010, at Strikeforce: Henderson vs. Babalu. Henderson emerged victorious with a knockout win in the first round.

Dan Henderson won against Rafael Cavalcante by TKO with punches in the third round.

Henderson fought Fedor Emelianenko on July 30, 2011, at Strikeforce: Fedor vs. Henderson. Despite speculation about a catch weight, the fight was confirmed as a heavyweight bout. Henderson won via KO in the 1st round.

On November 18, 2011, it was reported that Dan Henderson is willing to wait for a UFC title shot as long as he faces formidable adversaries like Shogun Rua.

Henderson faced Maurício Rua on November 19, 2011, at UFC 139. He secured a victory through a unanimous decision in a memorable fight that earned Fight of the Night honors.

Henderson was set to face Jon Jones on September 1, 2012, at UFC 151 for the Light Heavyweight Championship. However, Henderson had to withdraw due to a knee injury, leading to the cancellation of the entire event.

Henderson faced Lyoto Machida on February 23, 2013, at UFC 157. He suffered a loss via split decision in the bout.

Rashad Evans fought Dan Henderson in a Light Heavyweight match at UFC 161. Henderson secured a KO victory with a head kick in the first round.

Dan Henderson lost to Vitor Belfort by knockout with a head kick in the first round.

Dan Henderson revealed to UFC Tonight that he signed a new, six-fight contract with the UFC, marking a new chapter in his career.

Dan Henderson won against Mauricio Rua by TKO with punches in the third round.

Dan Henderson won against Daniel Cormier by technical submission with a rear-naked choke in the third round.

Dan Henderson lost to Gegard Mousasi by TKO with punches in the first round.

In the main event at UFC Fight Night 68, Dan Henderson won the fight via knockout in just 28 seconds of the first round, demonstrating his striking prowess.

Dan Henderson lost to Vitor Belfort by knockout with punches in the second round.

Dan Henderson faced Héctor Lombard at UFC 199 and won the fight via knockout in the second round with a spectacular combination, earning himself a Performance of the Night bonus.

On June 5, 2016, Dan Henderson faced Hector Lombard in a UFC fight. Henderson won the match by KO/TKO in the second round.

In a rematch against Michael Bisping at UFC 204, Dan Henderson displayed his skills but ultimately lost via unanimous decision. The fight was intense and both fighters were awarded Fight of the Night.

Dan Henderson was inducted into the Fight Wing of the UFC Hall of Fame at the UFC Fan Expo on July 5, 2018, alongside Maurício Rua, recognizing his contributions to the sport.

In September 2021, Dan Henderson announced his retirement from professional MMA competition, leaving behind a lasting legacy and influence in the sport that continues to be felt by fans and fighters alike.