New Mexico has long been a hotbed of combat sports with many great gyms having produced many world champions. On June 7 a first for the 505 will occur as The Ultimate Fighting Championships will venture into the land of enchantment for the first time for UFC Fight Night Albuquerque at the Tingley Coliseum. Headling the event will be former WEC & UFC Lightweight champion Benson “Smooth” Henderson (20-3) taking on Red Fury Fight Team’s and Jackson’s/Winkeljohn’s product Rustam “Tiger” Khabilov (17-1).
MMA Labs Henderson at WEC 53 the promotions final event lost a unanimous decision to Anthony Pettis. The WEC then merged with the UFC and Henderson won 7 decisions in a row, including capturing and successfully defending the UFC Lightweight title 3 time; before being submitted by Anthony Pettis at UFC 164. Headlining UFC on Fox 10 “Smooth” would slide back into the win column with a split decision victory over Josh Thomson.
Hailing from Dagestan Khabilov is a master of Sambo and currently rides a 6 fight win streak. In three bout in the octagon “Tiger” has knocked out Vinc Pichel with slam, got a TKO over Yancy Medeiros thanks to a TKO by thumb Injury from a slam, and won the judges score cards against the always touch Jorge Masvidal.
Henderson who is a black belt in Taekwondo and Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, has 8 of 10 stoppage wins by submission. Henderson is a pressure fighter, who uses a high volume striking attack, and is the first fighter to go to the calf with a low leg kick. Henderson is also know for cutting a lot of weight, having a large gas tank, and relying on physical strength.
Khabilov has shown a high caliber ability to wrestle and slam guy on their heads. The striking of Khabilov’s had been questioned but after standing with Masvidal it is very clear that “Tiger” is a Mixed Martial Artist with a full and deep tool box.
The 2nd bout to make it’s way on to the card has also been announced with at Welterweight “Vicious” Bobby Voelker (24-11) looking to end his 3 fight losing streak meets, on a 2 fight losing streak Lance Benoist (6-2); who due to injury has no fought since September of 2012.
