Henderson attacking "Feijao" Cavalcante Photo credit: Esther Lin/Strikeforce

By FCF Staff

Chael Sonnen has had UFC Light-Heavyweight Champion Jon Jones in his sites as of late, and perhaps not surprisingly, the outspoken fighter is picking his former teammate Dan Henderson to defeat the rising star on September 1^st.

In a recent press release from the promotion, Sonnen relayed that his belief that perhaps far too many people are overlooking the legendary light-heavyweight’s chances against Jones.

“I believe in Hendo – and so should you,” Sonnen said. “If you look at Jon Jones and think of a man who can beat him, you would think of someone with great KO power, the best chin in the sport because – with his reach – Jones is going to hit you, great wrestling and a relentlessly aggressive style. That man already exists – and his name is Dan Henderson.”

Although Sonnen may be biased towards his former training partner, the former middleweight isn’t alone in pointing out the danger Henderson–and the 42 year-old’s right hand in particular–pose towards any fighter. In addition, Sonnen also accurately points out what else is riding on the upcoming bout.

“Here’s the thing people are missing about this fight at UFC 151,” Sonnen said. “Yes, the UFC light heavyweight championship is on the line, but this is about more than who currently holds the UFC 205lbs gold.

“This fight on September 1 is a fight to determine who is the greatest ever light heavyweight. I give Jon Jones his due as a great fighter. He’s beaten some outstanding fighters already and looked impressive each time. He’s already accomplished so much in the sport – just not as much as Dan Henderson.”

Chael Sonnen

Heading into UFC 151, Henderson (29-8) is 7-3 in his last 10 fights, and has scored wins over fellow MMA stars like Fedor Emelianenko, “Shogun” Rua, and Michael Bisping during that stretch. Those are but some of the fighter’s latest accomplishments, however, as Sonnen relays.

“Everyone talks about pound-for-pound champions and pound-for-pound achievements. But if you look at what pound-for-pound should mean – who has the ability to beat small fast guys, the ability to knockout big, strong guys, to move through the divisions with your skill-set and win – the only conclusion a rational person would make is Dan Henderson is the pound-for-pound greatest of all time.”

“Dan beat the 170lbs champion in Carlos Newton, he’s won the PRIDE 183lbs title, the PRIDE 205lbs title, the STRIKEFORCE 205lbs title, and he’s won the two great tournaments in our sport, the UFC tournament back in the day and the PRIDE Grand Prix. All in all he’s beaten 11 world champions in his career. The man is the best of all time. That is who Jon Jones is facing.”

UFC 151 will be hosted by the Mandalay Bay Events Center in Las Vegas and the main card will be available via pay-per-view.

“Jones is a talented kid but he’s taking on a man, and I’d bet on the man any day of the week.”