Daniel Cormier named one of his former opponents the best fighter to never win UFC gold.
His No. 1 pick was Dan Henderson, who won titles at other major promotions but never in the UFC. Henderson has challenged for UFC gold three times – back-to-back title shots against Quentin Jackson at light heavyweight and Anderson Silva at middleweight. He failed in both.
Henderson’s last opportunity also marked the last fight of his career. At UFC 204, “Hendo” faced Michael Bisping, whom he infamously knocked out at UFC 100. Henderson almost delivered the same fate to Bisping when he knocked him down twice, but ultimately a Bisping bloodied survived the barrage and outlasted Henderson by decision.
“At No. 1, I agree with you with Dan Henderson,” Cormier said on his ESPN “DC & RC” show. “PRIDE Middleweight and Light Heavyweight Champion. Also fought for the belt in the UFC, 0-3 there. Also fought Michael Bisping in old age and lost a split decision in a fight many thought he won.
Dan Henderson has failed in three attempts to win a UFC championship. (Associated Press)
Other fighters to make Cormier’s top five list include former three-time UFC light heavyweight title challenger Alexander Gustafsson, who lost extremely slim decisions to Cormier and Jon Jones; former two-time lightweight title challenger Gray Maynard; former interim lightweight champion Tony Ferguson; and former WEC featherweight champion and four-time UFC bantamweight title challenger Urijah Faber.
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The story originally appeared on MMA Junkie