After Ben Henderson's title loss to new UFC Lightweight Champion Anthony Pettis we are left with the question of who Benson Henderson should fight next. I think that there a few fights that make sense for the UFC to put together.
I think that a fight with current #4 ranked UFC Lightweight Josh Thomson would be the fight that I want to see the most. Josh Thomson is coming off of a knockout finish over Nate Diaz at UFC on Fox 7 in April. Josh Thomson has been considered an elite lightweight fighter for many years. In his UFC return he proved that the bright lights of the UFC place no extra pressure on the MMA vet. I think that this match up is one that makes the most sense. Thomson is on his way to the top and knocking on the door of his title shot and a win over Henderson would be a good way to secure a shot.
On the inverse it is also a beneficial match for Henderson as well. Henderson has demolished most of the UFC's top lightweights upon his entrance into the UFC. Now that Strikforce has been absorbed by the UFC there are more options out there for Henderson to face. If Henderson could defeat Thomson he could cement his elite status by defeating a very respected MMA vet who still has a lot of fight left. Josh Thomson has many victories in Strikeforce and has challenged for the Strikforce title on three occasions. Josh Thomson could arguably be considered the second best Lightweight fighter to come out of Strikeforce, following Gilbert Melendez. If Henderson wins it means that he can still beat the UFC's best-of-the-best in the 155lb weight class.
Another option is the possibility of a Henderson-Cerrone III. There's nothing that fans love more than a good trilogy. Both men are coming off a defeat within the last two weeks and need a win. Like Thomson, Cerrone has been a long time contender in the Zuffa organization. Donald Cerrone has fought for the WEC Lightweight Championship on three occasions. His first title fight was with Jamie Varner and his next two were with Benson Henderson. Cerrone is a one of the UFC's best lighweights and a great match up for Henderson to produce a war.
In October at UFC 166, the king of the Strikforce Lightweight Division, Gilbert Melendez, will be facing the original Ultimate Fighter, Diego Sanchez. If Ben Henderson were to face the winner of the Melendez-Sanchez it provides UFC fans with two beautiful options: a rematch that allows Gilbert Melendez to avenge his split decision loss to Henderson earlier this year or a fresh match between two of the UFC's biggest stars whose paths have yet to cross.
Other options: Rafael dos Anjos, Gleison Tibau, Gray Maynard and BJ Penn if he chooses to pursuit his fight career again.
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