When the PRIDE organization essentially ceased to exist, Dan Henderson was the champion of both its 183- and 205-pound classes. After losing to UFC light heavyweight champion Rampage Jackson in September, Henderson sets his sights on middleweight champ, Anderson Silva in March. Steve Sievert of the Houston Chronicle spoke with Henderson about his upcoming match at UFC 82.While most MMA fighters come into a match with confidence, Henderson seems to be overflowing with it.

“I’m excited,” says Henderson. “I’m ready to go kick his ass. Style-wise, I’m just a bad fight for him. He’s very tough, very talented, but he hasn’t fought anybody like me.”

Silva generally likes to work from the clinch and has used it successfully in victories over Chris Leben, Rich Franklin (twice), Travis Lutter and Nate Marquardt. Henderson, though, says this plays into his own strengths.

“My strength is the clinch game, and I don’t get out of position there to allow strikes,” Henderson told Sievert. “That’s what he thrives on - guys that are out of position and not very good in that clinch. For me, that’s where I’m going to beat him up, and if he gets there with me, I’m going to be taking him down and beating him up on the ground.”

Anderson has not had a fight go the distance since 2004. henderson has never been knocked out in his entire career. On paper, this fight looks to be a contender for fight of the year.

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