UFC 139 Results: 5 Fights Dan Henderson Might Take Next

Dan Henderson made his return to the Octagon on Saturday to take on Mauricio Rua at UFC 139.

When action began, Henderson took control of the fight by landing vicious right hooks and uppercuts to nearly every part of Rua's body.

This dominance continued throughout the first three rounds until Rua gained new life as the fourth frame began.

Rua came out swinging for the fences as he took home Rounds 4 and 5 by nearly finishing the heavy-hitting Henderson.

When the final bell rang, Henderson was declared victorious in one of the greatest fights of all time.

Henderson now awaits his next opponent as he hopes to one day wear UFC gold.

So, the following slides display five fights that Dan Henderson could take next.

Lets take a look.

Jon Jones vs. Lyoto Machida Winner

In just a little more than two weeks, Jon "Bones" Jones will put his light heavyweight title up for grabs when he squares off with the highly dangerous Lyoto Machida.

While it's uncertain who will come out on top in their championship bout, it is likely Henderson could find himself fighting for the title against the winner.

Henderson brings a threat to both Jones and Machida because he is an equally, if not better striker than both and demonstrates a more effective ground game.

Henderson vs. UFC 140's winner makes perfect sense.

Mauricio "Shogun" Rua

While the UFC is shying away from immediate rematches, it's hard to deny what went down at UFC 139 in San Jose.

Some UFC fans believe it was the greatest performance of all time.

In a five-round fight, Henderson was declared victorious by hanging on by the skin of his teeth as the final round came to a close.

Fans would love to see a rematch between the two.

Rashad Evans

While Rashad Evans is believed by many to receive the next title shot against the winner of Jon Jones vs. Lyoto Machida, it's definitely not set in stone.

In fact, timing will have everything to do with Evans' returns and who he squares off with next.

If Evans were to make a quicker return than expected, he could very well find himself fighting Henderson for a No. 1 contender spot.

Phil Davis

Phil Davis is certainly an outside chance, but nothing is out of the picture when it comes to the UFC.

In fact, Davis was originally set to square off with Lyoto Machida at UFC 140 before a knee injury prevented him from doing so.

Therefore, depending on when Davis returns, Henderson could find himself squaring off with a wrestler almost as good as he is.

While it's not likely, it's certainly a possibility.

Jon Jones vs. Lyoto Machida Loser

If things turn out the way Rashad Evans wants, it's likely he could receive the next title fight against the winner of Jon Jones vs. Lyoto Machida at UFC 140.

If that were to occur, Henderson would probably need a fight as the layoff would be far too long.

Therefore, Henderson could find himself meeting the loser of UFC 140's main event.

A win against Jones or Machida would certainly be enough to earn Henderson a title fight as well.