Dan Henderson's next fight may likely be against top 185-pound contender Ronaldo "Jacare" Souza in 2015, as "Hendo" responds to the Brazilian's camp and their proposal. However, the mixed martial arts legend insists that the fight should happen at middleweight.
On Tuesday, Sherdog.com reported that "Jacare's" camp has made a proposal to become an opponent for Dan Henderson's next fight.
"Jacare already fought in open-weight matches during his jiu-jitsu career," Souza's manager Josuel Distak said. "I would love to see him facing Henderson in February, on the same card that Belfort will face Weidman. Henderson is a legend, and the fans would love to see that matchup."
However, they are eyeing for a fight at light heavyweight (205 lbs).
"I like the idea of putting Jacare in a special light heavyweight fight," Distak stated. "I truly believe that, with the exception of Rafael 'Feijao' and Rogerio 'Minotouro,' Jacare can fight anyone in that division as preparation to face the winner of Vitor and Chris."
"Jacare" Souza is coming off an impressive victory in his rematch against former Strikeforce champion Gegard Mousasi in early September. Because the title fight between Vitor Belfort and Chris Weidman had been held off until February, Souza is hoping to stay active in competition.
Meanwhile, Distak's proposal did not sit well for "Hendo's" camp, as they believe that "Jacare" was "put in a bad spot" by his manager.
"I think Distak just motivated 'Hendo,' who will now give everything he has in training," said Ricardo Feliciano, Henderson's jiu-jitsu coach in a separate report. "Dan Henderson hasn't fought since [May], and he is willing to come back in January. That's [been] his plan since his last fight."
Furthermore, Feliciano maintained that Dan Henderson's next fight, which is possibly against "Jacare" Souza, should happen at 185-pounds, at middleweight.
"Fighting 'Jacare' would be a huge motivation since he is about to get a title shot," Feliciano added. "I can't see a reason for it to be a light heavyweight bout. If he wants to fight Hendo, let it be at 185."
