Benson Henderson vs. Rafael dos Anjos headlines UFC Fight Night 49
Fresh off his submission win at UFC Fight Night 42, Benson Henderson has his next assignment and the UFC’s August card in Tulsa has its main event.
Henderson (21-3 MMA, 9-1 UFC) will meet Rafael dos Anjos (21-7 MMA, 10-5 UFC) in a five-round lightweight bout to headline UFC Fight Night 49. The Tulsa World first reported the news on Tuesday. UFC officials formally announced the fight later Tuesday evening.
UFC Fight Night 49 takes place Aug. 23 at BOK Center in Tulsa. The main card airs on FOX Sports 1.
Henderson just nine days ago submitted Rustam Khabilov in the main event of UFC Fight Night 42 in Albuquerque, N.M. It was the former lightweight champion’s first finish in the UFC after eight decision victories – three of them by split call. Henderson now has won back-to-back fights, both in headliners, since losing his title to Anthony Pettis this past August at UFC 174. In January, he took a split decision from Josh Thomson at UFC on FOX 10 in Chicago. The UFC Fight Night 49 spot will be Henderson’s eighth straight UFC main event.
Dos Anjos got back on track on the same card in Albuquerque, stopping Jason High with punches in the second round. After the loss, High complained of being punched in the back of the head and pushed the referee, then was released by the UFC for the infraction. Dos Anjos in April had a five-fight streak snapped by Khabib Nurmagomedov at UFC on FOX 11 in Orlando when he dropped a unanimous decision. Before that, his run included decision wins over Donald Cerrone, Evan Dunham and Mark Bocek.
With the addition of the main event, the latest UFC Fight Night 49 card includes:
Rafael dos Anjos vs. Benson Henderson
Thiago Alves vs. Jordan Mein
Timothy Elliott vs. Wilson Reis
Tom Niinimaki vs. Chas Skelly
