UFC 139 Results: What a Loss Would Mean to Dan Henderson's Legacy

Dan Henderson beat Fedor Emelianenko in July, and everybody spoke of his legacy. That he was quite possibly one of the best fighters ever. Not the best, but one of the best.

Now Henderson finds himself back in the UFC against a Pride legend whom he came very close to fighting in Pride—Mauricio "Shogun" Rua.

Would a loss really matter? Would Henderson's legacy be tarnished?

A win means another big name notched on his belt, but a loss is pretty much just another loss to a great Brazilian.

It isn't a title fight or a No. 1 contender's bout—although there have been discussions that he could get a shot at Anderson Silva with a win eventually.

Henderson already holds numerous career wins over top opponents. Fedor, Vitor Belfort, Wanderlei Silva and Rich Franklin.

A loss here doesn't mean much. I mean, Henderson already has eight losses. What it means most is that Henderson couldn't get back to earning a UFC title shot.

Even if Henderson did make it that far, would he really stand all that much of a chance against Jon Jones?

Henderson has a great legacy, and a loss to Shogun wouldn't tarnish it. Shogun is a top fighter, and there is no shame in losing to someone like Shogun.

All it means is Henderson couldn't get back to a UFC title shot.

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