Benson Henderson Moves Up And Steps In To Face Brandon Thatch At UFC FN 60

Eagerly awaiting his return back to the cage, Benson Henderson (21-5) was already planning on facing Jorge Masvidal in April, but now it looks as if we will get to see him sooner. Last night, the UFC announced that “Smooth” will be moving up in a weight class to face welterweight standout Brandon Thatch (11-1). Currently riding a 10-fight win streak, this is huge move on the part of Henderson facing such a deadly prospect. It has been a year since we have seen Thatch, but he will hold all the advantages for this Saturday’s main event.

After a controversial loss to Donald Cerrone, Henderson was emphatic about returning to the cage as soon as possible. After last night’s announcement, this must mean he wants to erase that last fight from his head as soon as possible. Benson already has the body of welterweight, so this should be a “smooth” transition for him with probably no cut at all. Thatch is a dangerous welterweight prospect who had been cruising until the injury bug of 2014 hit him with a broken toe. He was scheduled to face Stephen Thompson, who has to cancel due to a rib injury. Here is the official statement from the UFC:

Eager to get back in the Octagon after his controversial decision loss to Donald Cerrone last month, former UFC lightweight champion Benson Henderson will make his UFC welterweight debut on February 14 when he steps in for the injured Stephen Thompson against Brandon Thatch in the UFC Fight Night main event in Broomfield, Colorado.

Henderson was scheduled to face Jorge Masvidal on April 4 in Fairfax, Virginia. A new opponent will be found for Masvidal.

If Henderson looks good in this move up in weight, he could add to an already stacked welterweight division -- not that the lightweights are hurting either as with a loss, he should still remain in the top 10. The full UFC Fight Night 60 details are as followed: