Henderson lost to Brazil in 2008, but was overshadowed throughout the fight. He wanted a rematch in 2009 after a knockout victory at UFC 100, it is not given and the developer left some time later.
Henderson has achieved many things in mixed martial arts, but being the first man to defeat Silva UFC would be the time of consecration - the cherry on top of cake. But Henderson, who faces Mauricio Rua in a light heavyweight bout this weekend at UFC 139, insists that the perception of his desire to face Silva, is larger than reality.
"I did not ask to Anderson," Henderson told ESPN.com talking about his return to the developer. "I think the UFC wanted the fight. I ordered a title fight at light heavyweight division."
At 41 years old, Henderson says his goals are to stay competitive with younger opponents, getting a UFC title belt and finish undefeated in two or three years remaining in the sport.
If he crosses the road a fight with Silva, you will receive with pleasure. But it will not press for it, mainly because he likes to think her days to reach 185 pounds were completed. Henderson admits that if it was down to 185 pounds and won the title against Silva, would not stay to defend it.
"That's why weight loss. I do not relish the idea," said Henderson. "I would say that Anderson would be the only fought over who would make the effort."
And you know what? Good for him. After all he has accomplished - two titles in Pride, he faced the best fighters of his era, he helped create the sport - a win over Silva would be good, but not necessarily add much to the legacy of Henderson.
The last time Henderson went down to 185 pounds, did not look very good. From the second round against Jake Shields in 2010, it was physically dead and lost by unanimous decision.
In a sport in which noparece be impossible, Henderson is talking about big fights, enjoying the process and not worrying about a rematch with a man who is not even in their division. And that's admirable.
