UFC 139 Fight Card: What a Win Would Mean for Dan Henderson

After a short leave of absence from the UFC, during which he became Strikeforce light heavyweight champion and became the first fighter to knock out Fedor Emelianenko, Dan Henderson is back in the world's premier MMA organization and looking for a shot at his first UFC title.

Being a champion from another promotion, the UFC will be more than willing to put Henderson on the fast track to a title shot if he defeats Mauricio Rua in impressive fashion. The 41-year-old Henderson is capable of contending for belts in both the middleweight and light heavyweight divisions, so the UFC has options if they decide to throw Henderson into another title fight before his career comes to a close.

Not only does this fight have major title implications for Henderson, but it is also a chance for the former Pride champion to remind fans that he is one of the best light heavyweights to ever compete in the sport.

A former 205-pound UFC champion, Rua has been mentioned among names like Chuck Liddell and Wanderlei Silva, so Henderon could cement himself a spot in the UFC Hall of Fame if he walks away from UFC 139 with a victory.

The only fighter to concurrently hold titles in multiple divisions of a major MMA organization, Henderson has accomplished just about everything there is to accomplish in the sport. However, one title has eluded Henderson throughout his career. Despite everything he has done in the sport, Henderson has never worn a UFC belt around his waist.

With a win over "Shogun" in Saturday's main event, Henderson will take one step closer to earning another shot at capturing the only award he hasn't been able to attain. 

Sean Smith is a Featured Columnist for Bleacher Report MMA. For the latest insight and updates on everything MMA, you can follow Sean on Twitter @SeanSmithMMA.