Michael Bisping survives a pair of knockdowns to retain title with decision over Dan Henderson

It was almost déjà vu for Michael Bisping. In almost identical fashion to their first meeting at UFC 100, a Dan Henderson right hand landed and Bisping went down…twice in the first two rounds. But this time, Bisping managed to keep his senses and survive. “The Count” refused to allow a fairy tale story come to fruition and outworked a retiring Dan Henderson to retain his UFC middleweight title by unanimous decision in front of a rabid hometown crowd in Manchester, England, in the main event of UFC 204.

Seven years ago, Michael Bisping ended up on the wrong side of the highlight reel when Henderson landed his patented H-Bomb right hand on the Brit’s chin to score one of the most brutal knockouts in UFC history. A lot has changed since then with Bisping becoming the middleweight champion and Henderson at the tail end of his career. However, the rematch was necessary for Bisping considering that he had been haunted by that knockout punch for many years — not to mention that it would be Henderson’s final opportunity to claim UFC gold as he announced that he would be retiring, win or lose.

It was a fight that many mocked considering that Henderson was ranked outside of the top 10. However, with it being his final appearance in the Octagon, and the multi-layered storyline, the fight made sense. And when the fight happened, it ended up being a memorable affair where the active Bisping had to summon everything he had to survive a pair of vicious knockdowns and outpoint the lumbering 46-year-old with scores of 48-47, 48-47 & 49-46.

“This man is incredible,” Bisping said. “He just kicked my ass. All the trash talking, you gotta respect that guy, he’s a legend.”

The fight started as many expected with the active Bisping prodding the methodical Henderson with jabs, leg kicks and combinations. But at the end of the first round, the H-Bomb found a familiar home. A collective gasp swept through the crowd as Henderson nearly pulled off a career finale that could only be written for a Hollywood blockbuster.

However, this time, Bisping refused to stay down. Henderson dove in just as he did in their first meeting and sought the finish. Bisping survived a frantic flurry from Henderson as the bell sounded and both smiled with the knowledge that history nearly repeated itself.

As the second round began, Bisping went right back to work and used movement to keep Henderson off balance and unable to uncork that right hand. A hard right hand from Bisping wobbled Henderson and “The Count” swarmed in. In the midst of the tornado of strikes, one of Bisping’s kicks strayed low. Unfortunately for Henderson, referee Yves Lavigne didn’t see it and Henderson had to do his best to survive. Not only did he survive, but he also caught Bisping asleep at the wheel yet again and sank Bisping to the canvas yet again with a right hand before the round came to a close. Once again, history threatened to repeat itself and the one title that eluded Dan Henderson was near.

But Bisping’s heart was on full display as he refused to be put away.

Fortunately for the champion, that’s about all Henderson had in the tank. After making some adjustments, the next two rounds were all Bisping circling, putting together combinations, landing leg kicks, darting out of firing range and snaring away rounds three and four with little resistance. His face was a bloody mess with his left eye swollen shut but Bisping wasn’t about to let down the fans that were packed into the Manchester Arena for a main event that happened at nearly 5 a.m local time.

Henderson would put together a spirited effort in the fifth round and scored a late takedown as the crowd roared to the fight’s conclusion. But it was too little too late, as the 37-year-old had deposited enough offense in the bank to sway the judges’ scores in his favor.

After the bout, Henderson confirmed that this would be his final fight.

“This is the last time that anyone will see me fight live,” Henderson said as the Manchester crowd that booed him earlier showered the arena with “Hendo” chants. “I appreciate all of the support throughout the years. I gave my heart and soul to this sport and fans like you made it worthwhile to compete every night. This was my last for the belt. I came up a little short but not bad for an old man.”