UFC Middleweight Champion, Anderson “The Spider” Silva, will take on PRIDE 183-lb. Champion Dan Henderson when the UFC returns to Columbus, Ohio on March 1, 2008 for UFC 82: PRIDE OF A CHAMPION.

From UFC.com:

“Anderson Silva has been so dominant as UFC Middleweight Champion that people are starting to wonder if there is anyone out there who can dethrone him,” said Dana White, UFC President. “Now Pride champion Dan Henderson has stepped up to the challenge. Anderson Silva may be the best pound-for-pound fighter in the sport and Dan Henderson may be the strongest, toughest guy in the middleweight division so there is no doubt in my mind that this will be a battle that goes down in the history books.”

Silva is motivated to impress the crowd.

“I’m really motivated and I’m looking forward to this fight because it’s going to be the two best middleweights in the world putting their belt on the line - winner takes all,” said Silva. “These are the fights everyone wants to see. I will put on a great performance and a good show for all the UFC fans in the world, the United States, and especially in Ohio - the people there treated me with so much respect the last time I was there, I can’t wait to go back.”

Henderson is confidant that he will come out on top.

“I know that I can beat everyone at 185 pounds, and that’s what I’m gonna do on March 1st,” said Henderson. “I think style-wise, I’m a bad matchup for Anderson Silva, whereas his previous opponents have been good matchups. So I don’t think it will be a problem to beat him. I’ll take a knockout or a submission — I’m just excited to fight him and to fight in Ohio, I know it has a big wrestling community, and with my wrestling background, I think I’ll have a lot of support.”

Tickets go on sale Sunday, Dec. 30 at 10am ET.

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