While not official just yet, it appears that the UFC have targeted a lightweight fight between Ben Henderson and Michael Johnson to headline the TUF 21 Finale show in Miami on July 12th.
Formerly a lightweight champion, Henderson is currently ranked No.5 in the division, but stepped up to the UFC’s welterweight ranks for the first time back in February on short notice against Brandon Thatch, producing a gutsy performance that ended with a fourth round submission victory.
Since then Henderson has offered to fight pretty much anybody he can get his hands on, regardless of how long he has to prepare, including the likes of Rory MacDonald and Erick Silva at 170lbs, but while his willingness to test his limits like this has won him a bunch of new fans, it seems the UFC feels that for the time being he’s best served heading back down to the division he once ruled.
Johnson is just one place behind Henderson in the rankings and the former TUF finalist is currently on an eye-catching four-fight winning streak that’s seen him defeat a string of respected opponents including Edson Barboza, Gleison Tibau and Joe Lauzon.
He asked for a fight with Henderson after his last victory and it’s definitely the kind of fight he needs at this stage if he wants to position himself for a potential run at the title.
Henderson Vs Johnson would be expected to top the bill at the TUF 21 Finale, with the latest series of the long-running reality show set to begin on April 22nd with fighters from rival fight camps American Top Team and The Blackzillians set to face off against each other for a $500,000 prize.
