In a little over three weeks, a significant chapter in UFC middleweight history will be revisited when Dan Henderson and Michael Bisping square off for the second time as the headlining fight for UFC 204. The book will finally be closed on a rivalry that has spanned more than seven years, as Henderson has said on more than one occasion that he’ll be hanging up his 4 oz gloves, regardless the outcome of the fight.

The 46-year-old Henderson has been talking retirement for the better part of the year, stating that this bout is the perfect one to call his swan song. After two decades in the sport, he’s amassed a multitude of awards and accolades that include, but are not limited to:

Two-time Olympian

The only multi-divisional champion in a major organization

A pair of Pride FC belts

Last Strikeforce light heavyweight champion

Most athletes in this brutal, body-abusing sport don’t make it to 40, and even fewer make it past that mark. Henderson just turned 46 in August, and is still knocking out high-level fighters. He’s more than earned his notation in the history books and will almost certainly find his way into the Hall of Fame.

So, what’s left for Henderson after October 8? Well, for a “few more zeros” on his paycheck, another fight could be on the horizon. In a recent interview with Champions.co, Henderson told Dave Rispoli the following:

"I'm sure with a few extra zeros back there I would consider coming back," he said.

"But, at the same time, I was ready to be done [in] my last fight. With the opportunity to finish with a belt and be the world champ at the end of my career, I couldn't say no to that. When they offered me that, I told them that this will be my last one for sure, win or lose."

For the diehard Hendo fans that hope to see more from the heavy-handed slugger, there may still be a faint glimmer of hope.