Dan Henderson plans another three years at the top © Getty Images Enlarge

The UFC's light-heavyweight competitors better get used to the sight of Dan Henderson, because the veteran contender admits he plans another three years in the UFC.

Henderson, now 41, is on a mission to complete a glittering career in MMA that has seen him establish his name among the very best to have ever graced the sport. Titles in PRIDE and Strikeforce rank among his best achievements, but it is UFC gold that would complete his collection.

The heavy-handed Team Quest man is currently eyeing up Jon Jones' belt, and is widely expected to get the next title shot, whether it be against Jones or No. 1 contender Rashad Evans.

It might have been expected that potential defeat, either to Jones or Evans, might signal the end of Henderson's stellar career. However, that is far from the case according to Hendo, who plans not only to see out his current UFC contract, but to then sign another.

"I've got three more fights on my deal, and I'll probably sign one more deal after that. So two or three more years [left]," Henderson told ESPN.

"I definitely won't be as old as Randy [Couture] when I retire!"

Henderson, despite being the wrong side of 40, is arguably as good as he has ever been, beating Fedor Emelianenko and Mauricio Shogun Rua in memorable recent fights. Boasting a shattering right hand in addition to his world class grappling base, Hendo admits he has simply learned what works and what doesn't in training.

"I've changed my training, I'm smarter with my training. I'm also smarter with my positioning and techniques," he said. "I know what works and what doesn't. And I'm still learning from those at my gym.

"I guess others lose motivation but my I know my time is limited and I want to make the most of it."

Henderson is one of many UFC stars to be attending The MMA Show Live on May 12/13 at the NEC in Birmingham, a ground-breaking event featuring more top level MMA fighters than any other show of its kind in Europe. The interactive expo has sold over 14,000 tickets already, with 30,000 fans expected across the whole weekend.

Tickets for The MMA Show Live are priced from £20 and available from www.theticketfactory.com or by calling 0844 338 0338. For more information visit www.themmashowlive.com

For more on Dan, go to his personal website or clinchgear.com

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.