5 Oz. Exclusive: Gabriel Gonzaga vs. Josh Hendricks at UFC 91
September 2, 2008 by Sam Caplan
Former UFC heavyweight title challenger Gabriel Gonzaga will make his Octagon return on Nov. 15 at UFC 91 in Portland, Oregon against UFC newcomer Josh Hendricks. Bout agreements have yet to be finalized but both camps have verbally committed to the fight.
FiveOuncesOfPain.com first learned of the matchup early Tuesday morning from a source speaking on the condition of anonymity.
Gonzaga ended a two fight losing streak at UFC 86 on July 5 when he submitted Justin McCully with a Kimura at 1:57 of round 1. Prior to the victory he had lost a UFC heavyweight title fight against Randy Couture at UFC 74 last August and then had lost a rematch to Fabricio Werdum at UFC 80 this past January.
Hendricks is based out of Ohio and has a record of 14-4 with one no contest. He hasn’t lost in his last ten fights with his most recent victory coming against James Powell via knockout at 3:35 of round 1 during a Legends of Fighting event this past November. He also fought and lost against former UFC veterans Sam Hoger and Travis Wiuff earlier in his career.
The only match officially announced for UFC 91 thus far is a lightweight encounter between Kenny Florian and Joe Stevenson. FiveOuncesOfPain.com was also the first to report over the weekend that season seven winner of “The Ultimate Fighter” Amir Sadollah announced at Combat Sports Challenge 26 on Saturday that he expects to fight on the show as well.
[...] Former number one heavyweight contender Gabriel Gonzaga (9-3) could return to action against Josh Hendricks (14-4) at UFC 91 in Portland, Ore., on November 15, according to FiveOuncesOfPain.com. [...]
Hmm…why put Gonzaga against a newcomer? I realize the Heavyweight division is in need of some new signings, but Gonzaga could use some stiffer competition. I was looking forward to the UFC possibly matching him with Cain Velasquez, or even Antoni Hardonk or Kongo.
I would personally like to see Hendricks against another relative newcomer like Dan Evensen, or even to be fed to Velasquez to build his hype, rather than starting him off immediately against higher-level heavyweights like Gonzaga.
Randy made him look like shit and Werdum KO’d in consecutive bouts. His only saving grace is that he landed that miracle head kick. But he is better then that .
I think it’s a great idea to put a new-be in…never under estimate the power of someone new, strong and that has faith standing behind them
I’ve seen both fight and I think the new-be has a GREAT chance by far!!
I can’t wait and I will be there Nov 15th for this awesome event!
Go Hendricks!!
Luv D777
Gabe, my friend, you have no idea what’s coming! Looking forward to the match!
Cant wait to see this fight…. Gabe hasnt been hit till Heavy puts the leather on ‘em!!!
Go Hendricks
i am not one to talk bad about a good fighter like gonzaga but when it comes to hendricks…. hes gona put a hurtin on him. cnt wait to c the “new be” throw down!! God bless Hendricks!
i think josh is ganna kick some but lol cuz ive grown up with him. . .
best of luck bro ! !
I really think Josh has one heck of a chance he’s one heck of a fighter.Seen them both fight and like it was said before never under estimate anyone!!!!!! Josh’s heart & soul is in fighting and that’s where it’s at!!! I’m behind him all the way and I WILL BE WATCHIN HIM.He’s wanted this a long time KICK BUTT CUZ!!!!!!!!!