Benson Henderson (photo via UFC)

By FCF Staff

Benson Henderson will fight again much sooner than expected, and in a different weight class, as the former lightweight champ has agreed to fight Brandon Thatch at UFC Fight Night 60.

The bout has materialized after Thatch’s original opponent for February 14th, Stephen Thompson, was forced to withdraw due to injury.

Henderson (21-5) was scheduled to fight lightweight contender Jorge Masvidal on April 4th, after “Smooth” dropped a tightly contested, decision loss to Donald Cerrone on January 18th. The defeat marked the first time in Henderson’s career that he’s lost consecutive bouts, as he was coming off a stoppage defeat to Rafael dos Anjos.

The UFC is looking for a new opponent for Masvidal.

The 31 year-old Henderson has expressed an interest in fighting at welterweight in the past, but more recently, he said his focus was on the lightweight division.

Thatch (11-1) hasn’t fought now since November, 2013, when he stopped Paulo Thiago. The noted finisher has won 10 straight fights.

UFC FN 60 will be hosted by the 1st Bank Center in Broomfield, Colorado.