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Benson Henderson

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Benson Henderson
Henderson in 2008
Born (1983-11-16) November 16, 1983 (age 40)
Colorado Springs, Colorado, U.S.
NicknameSmooth
ResidencePhoenix, Arizona, U.S.
Height5 ft 9 in (1.75 m)
Weight155 lb (70 kg; 11 st 1 lb)
DivisionLightweight (2006–2015, 2016–2023)
Welterweight (2015–2016, 2020)
Reach71 in (180 cm)[1][2]
StanceSouthpaw
Fighting out ofGlendale, Arizona, U.S.
TeamThe MMA Lab
RankBlack belt in Taekwondo[3]
Black belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu under John Crouch[4]
WrestlingNAIA Wrestling[3]
Years active2006–2023
Mixed martial arts record
Total42
Wins30
By knockout5
By submission9
By decision16
Losses12
By knockout2
By submission3
By decision7
UniversityDana College
Notable school(s)Decatur High School
Mixed martial arts record from Sherdog
Medal record
Representing  United States
Men's Grappling
World No-Gi Jiu-Jitsu Championship
Bronze medal – third place 2014 Long Beach 79.5 kg (Black)
World Jiu-Jitsu Championship
Bronze medal – third place 2011 Long Beach 76 kg (Brown)

Benson Henderson (born November 16, 1983) is an American former professional mixed martial artist, who most recently competed in the Lightweight division for Bellator MMA. He is a former UFC Lightweight Champion and WEC Lightweight Champion. He is considered one of the greatest lightweight MMA fighters of all time and is tied with BJ Penn, Frankie Edgar, Islam Makhachev, and Khabib Nurmagomedov for most UFC lightweight title defenses.[5][6][7]

Early life

[edit]

Henderson was born in Colorado Springs, Colorado to a Korean mother and an African American father.[8] Benson has an older brother, Julius, who was born in Korea.[9] He was raised in Federal Way, Washington. When Henderson was approximately 9 years old, his mother, Song, insisted that he take Tae Kwon Do lessons with his brother. "She's Korean, I'm half-Korean, and it's the traditional Korean martial art, so she wanted us to do that to get a little bit of the culture and tradition," he says. Both Benson and his brother attained black belts in Tae Kwon Do.

He attended Decatur High School from 1998 to 2001. Benson became a part of the high school's wrestling team. After graduating from high school, he attended Dana College in Blair, Nebraska and graduated in 2006 with a double major in criminal justice and sociology. While attending Dana College, Henderson was on the wrestling team, and was twice named an NAIA All-American.[3]

I don't drink—I've never had a sip of alcohol. I've never had a puff of a cigarette or weed or anything like that. Growing up in Tacoma, that wasn't a very popular choice. I made a decision, and whenever it came up, I passed the dutchie to the left hand side ... People have seen that. They see I don't do the club scene. By people seeing that, that affects them in a bigger way than me talking about it.[10]

Mixed martial arts career

[edit]

Henderson turned professional in 2006, winning his first match against Dan Gregary. He lost his third fight to Rocky Johnson via technical submission. However, this defeat was a minor setback. He rebounded with four straight wins before facing his toughest fight yet, against a UFC veteran, Diego Saraiva. Henderson came prepared as he dominated Saraiva for three rounds, winning a unanimous decision and his 7th professional win.

World Extreme Cagefighting

[edit]

WEC Lightweight Championship

[edit]

Three months later, Henderson made his World Extreme Cagefighting debut on January 25, 2009, at WEC 38 against Anthony Njokuani.[11] Henderson defeated Njokuani with a guillotine choke early in round two.[12]

Henderson faced Shane Roller on April 5, 2009, at WEC 40.[13] Henderson won the bout via first-round TKO.[14]

Interim WEC Lightweight Championship

[edit]

Henderson was given an opportunity to fight for the Interim WEC Lightweight Championship against Donald Cerrone when lightweight champion Jamie Varner was unable to defend his title due to an injury. The fight took place on October 10, 2009, at WEC 43.[15] Henderson won an exciting back-and-forth fight by unanimous decision. Both Henderson and Cerrone were awarded with an additional purse of $20,000 for Fight of the Night.[16] The bout was also awarded 2009 Fight of the Year for all of MMA by Sherdog.com[17]

Undisputed WEC Lightweight Championship

[edit]

Henderson faced Jamie Varner to unify the WEC Lightweight Championship at WEC 46 on January 10, 2010.[18] After being outboxed and outwrestled in the first two rounds, Henderson came back and caught Varner in a standing guillotine choke ending the fight at 2:41 of the third round.[19]

Henderson had his first title defense in a rematch with Donald Cerrone on April 24, 2010, at WEC 48.[20] defeating Cerrone via guillotine choke in the first round.[21] The win earned him a Submission of the Night bonus award.[22]

Henderson faced Anthony Pettis on December 16, 2010, at WEC 53.[23] Henderson lost his title by unanimous decision.[24] The fight won Fight of the Night honors.[25]

Ultimate Fighting Championship

[edit]

In October 2010, World Extreme Cagefighting merged with the Ultimate Fighting Championship. As part of the merger, all WEC fighters were transferred to the UFC.[26]

Henderson made his UFC debut at UFC 129 on April 30, 2011, where he faced Mark Bocek.[27] Henderson won the fight via unanimous decision.[28]

Henderson next faced Jim Miller on August 14, 2011, at UFC on Versus 5.[29] Henderson dominated the streaking Miller throughout the fight, utilizing a stiff jab, great transitions, and vicious ground and pound throughout the match to snap Miller's 7 fight win streak, the third longest in the UFC at the time. Despite being threatened with multiple deep submission attempts, Henderson escaped each attempt and advanced position with increasingly brutal punches and elbows. He earned a unanimous decision (30-27, 29–28, 30–26).[30]

Henderson faced Clay Guida on November 12, 2011, at UFC on Fox 1.[31] He won the fight via unanimous decision after three rounds in an action packed war that earned both fighters Fight of the Night honors.[32][33] With the win, he became the #1 contender for the UFC Lightweight title.

UFC Lightweight Championship

[edit]

Henderson faced Frankie Edgar on February 26, 2012, at UFC 144.[34] Henderson defeated Edgar via unanimous decision to become the new UFC Lightweight Champion.[35] Both participants earned Fight of the Night honors for their performance.[36]

A rematch with Edgar took place on August 11, 2012, at UFC 150.[37] In a bout that was very tightly contested, Henderson defeated Edgar again, this time via split decision.[38]

Henderson faced Nate Diaz on December 8, 2012, at UFC on Fox 5.[39] Henderson punished Diaz with kicks, superior wrestling and ground and pound, Henderson knocked Diaz down twice with punches and was able to take his back on numerous occasions earning a unanimous decision victory.[40]

Henderson faced the final Strikeforce Lightweight Champion, and promotional newcomer Gilbert Melendez on April 20, 2013, at UFC on Fox 7.[41] Henderson won the fight by a closely contested split decision.[42] After 3 consecutive wins to retain the title, Henderson tied B.J. Penn with the highest number of title defenses as a lightweight.

Title loss and post title return

[edit]

Henderson was expected to face T. J. Grant on August 31, 2013, at UFC 164.[43] However, Grant was forced out of the bout with an injury, setting up a rematch with Anthony Pettis who defeated Henderson last time they fought via unanimous decision at the final WEC event, WEC 53.[44] Pettis defeated Henderson via submission (armbar) in the first round.[45] This is the second time Henderson lost his championship belt and title to Pettis.

In his first post-title loss fight, Henderson faced Josh Thomson on January 25, 2014, in the main event at UFC on Fox 10.[46] Henderson defeated Thomson via split decision. He nearly became the first man to submit Thomson when he caught Thomson in a standing arm-triangle choke.[47] Many media outlets and observers were split on who they thought should have been declared the winner.[48][49][50] Thomson had one more takedown (5 to 4) and was able to secure Henderson's back on multiple occasions, while Henderson was able to significantly outstrike Thomson (114 to 33) over the duration of the bout and was credited with the bout's only submission attempt.[51]

Henderson faced Rustam Khabilov on June 7, 2014, in the main event at UFC Fight Night: Henderson vs. Khabilov.[52] He won the fight via rear-naked choke submission in the fourth round. The win also earned Henderson his first Performance of the Night bonus award.[53]

Henderson headlined UFC Fight Night 49 against Rafael dos Anjos on August 23, 2014.[54] He lost the fight via knockout in the first round.[55][56]

Henderson was scheduled to fight Eddie Alvarez on January 18, 2015, at UFC Fight Night 59.[57] However, Alvarez pulled out of the fight in early January due to illness, and was replaced by Donald Cerrone in a rematch.[58] Henderson lost the fight via a controversial unanimous decision.[59] 12 of 14 media outlets scored the bout in favor of Henderson.[60]

Switching weight classes

[edit]

Henderson decided to make the move up to welterweight after a spot became available at UFC Fight Night 60 with Brandon Thatch on February 14, 2015, in the event headliner at UFC Fight Night 60, where he replaced an injured Stephen Thompson.[61] Henderson won the back and forth fight via submission in the fourth round.[62] Their performance earned both participants Fight of the Night honors.[63] Henderson was expected to face Bobby Green in his second Welterweight bout, but Bobby Green pulled out due to injury, so Henderson faced Jorge Masvidal on April 4, 2015, at UFC Fight Night 63.[64]

A bout with Michael Johnson was initially linked as the event headliner for The Ultimate Fighter 21 Finale on July 12, 2015.[65] Although never officially announced by the UFC, the bout between Henderson and Johnson will not take place at this event.[66] Subsequently, Henderson revealed his intentions to return, at least temporarily, to the welterweight division and targeted a return date of November 2015 and a possible appearance on the UFC's inaugural event in Seoul.[67]

Henderson was expected to face Thiago Alves on November 28, 2015, at UFC Fight Night 79.[68] However, on November 14, 2015, Alves pulled out the bout citing injury and was replaced by Jorge Masvidal.[69] Henderson won the back-and-forth fight via split decision.[70]

Bellator MMA

[edit]

On February 1, 2016, Henderson announced that he had signed with Bellator MMA.[71][72] In his debut, he faced Andrey Koreshkov on April 22, 2016, at Bellator 153 for the Bellator Welterweight Championship.[73] Henderson lost the fight by unanimous decision.[74]

Title contention and title shot

[edit]

For his second fight with the promotion, Henderson made his return to the lightweight division to fight Patrício Pitbull in the main event at Bellator 160 on August 26, 2016.[75] The bout ended in anticlimactic fashion as Pitbull stopped himself early in round two to declare he had sustained a leg injury. As a result, Henderson was awarded a TKO victory due to injury and earned a title shot against Michael Chandler.[76] It was revealed post-fight that Freire had broken his shin in the first round after Henderson checked a low kick with his knee.

On August 31, 2016, it was announced that Henderson would challenge Michael Chandler for the Bellator Lightweight Championship on November 19, 2016, at Bellator 165.[77] Henderson lost the back-and-forth bout via split decision.[78]

Post-title shot reign

[edit]

Henderson faced Patricky Pitbull at Bellator 183 on September 23, 2017.[79] He lost the fight via split decision.[80]

Henderson faced returning Bellator veteran Roger Huerta in the main event at Bellator 196 on April 6, 2018.[81] He won the fight via submission in the second round.[82]

Henderson faced Saad Awad at Bellator 208 on October 13, 2018.[83] He won the fight by unanimous decision.[84]

In November 2018, Bellator officials revealed that Henderson had signed a new exclusive, long-term contract with Bellator.[85]

Henderson next faced Adam Piccolotti at Bellator 220 on April 27, 2019.[86] He won the fight via split decision.[87] 8 out of 9 media scores gave it to Piccolotti.[88]

Henderson faced Bellator newcomer Myles Jury in the headliner of Bellator 227 on September 27, 2019.[89] He won the fight by unanimous decision.[90]

On October 25, 2019, it was announced that Henderson would next rematch Michael Chandler at Bellator & Rizin: Japan on December 29, 2019.[91] However, Henderson was forced to withdraw from the bout citing an injury and was replaced by Sidney Outlaw.[92] The rematch was rescheduled to take place at Bellator 244 on June 6, 2020.[93] However, the event was postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic.[94] The rematch eventually took place on August 7, 2020, at Bellator 243.[95] Henderson lost the fight via knockout in the first round.[96]

Henderson then moved up to Welterweight to face Jason Jackson on November 28, 2020, at Bellator 253. Jackson controlled a majority of the fight, winning via unanimous decision in an upset victory.[97][98]

Henderson faced Brent Primus on October 16, 2021, at Bellator 268.[99] He lost the fight via unanimous decision.[100]

Henderson faced Islam Mamedov on January 29, 2022, at Bellator 273.[101] He won the back-and-forth fight via split decision, ending a three-fight losing streak in what was his last fight on his prevailing contract.[102][103]

On March 23, 2022, it was announced that Henderson had signed a new multi-fight contract with Bellator.[104]

Henderson faced Peter Queally on September 23, 2022, at Bellator 285.[105] He won the fight by unanimous decision.[106]

Lightweight Grand Prix

[edit]

Being announced as one of the participants of the $1 million Lightweight Grand Prix, in the quarterfinals, Henderson faced reigning champion Usman Nurmagomedov for the Bellator Lightweight World Championship on March 10, 2023, at Bellator 292.[107] He lost the fight via rear-naked choke submission in the first round, and subsequently announced his retirement during the post-fight interview.[108]

Professional grappling career

[edit]

Henderson competed against fellow MMA veteran Ben Saunders in a superfight at UFC Fight Pass Invitational 1 on December 16, 2021, and won the match by unanimous decision.[109] He then faced Demian Maia in the main event of Polaris 20 on June 25, 2022,[110] losing the match by unanimous decision.[111]

Henderson entered the ADCC Arizona Open on August 5, 2023, and went 3–1 in the 83 kg division.[112]

Henderson competed in a welterweight no gi match against Neiman Gracie as the main event of ADXC 1 on October 20, 2023.[113] He lost the match by submission.[114]

Boxing career

[edit]

Stake Pro Tournament

[edit]

On August 20, 2024 it was announced that Henderson would make his professional boxing debut in a tournament hosted by Stake on MF & DAZN: X Series 18 – Stake Pro Tournament Card on September 14 at the at the Vertu Motors Arena in Newcastle upon Tyne, England. His first opponent in the semifinals was American mixed martial artist Chris Avila with English professional boxer Idris Virgo vs English influencer Fes Batista in the other bracket.[115] Henderson defeated Avila by unanimous decision and advanced to the finals, where he faced Idris Virgo in the co-main event.[116] Henderson was defeated by Virgo by unanimous decision.[116]

Personal life

[edit]

Henderson is a Christian and often refers to his faith in post-fight interviews.[117] He is also a teetotaler, having never consumed alcohol or drugs in his life.[118]

Henderson has three sons and a daughter – Kyong, Kub, Koah and Knightley – with his wife, Maria.[119][120] Henderson proposed to his fiancée in the Octagon after his win over Gilbert Melendez at UFC on Fox 7.[121]

Championships and accomplishments

[edit]

Mixed martial arts

[edit]

Submission grappling

[edit]
  • International Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Federation
    • 2011 World Jiu-Jitsu Championship Brown Belt Bronze Medalist
    • 2014 World Jiu Jitsu No-Gi Championship Black Belt Bronze Medalist[135]
  • Arizona State Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Federation
    • AZSBJJF MVP of the Year (2010)
    • Arizona State Championship Brown Belt Middleweight Gold Medalist (Two times)
    • Arizona State Championship Purple Belt Middleweight Gold Medalist (Two times)
    • Arizona State Championship Openweight Gold Medalist (Three times)

Amateur wrestling

[edit]

Mixed martial arts record

[edit]
Professional record breakdown
42 matches 30 wins 12 losses
By knockout 5 2
By submission 9 3
By decision 16 7
Res. Record Opponent Method Event Date Round Time Location Notes
Loss 30–12 Usman Nurmagomedov Submission (rear-naked choke) Bellator 292 March 10, 2023 1 2:37 San Jose, California, United States Bellator Lightweight World Grand Prix Quarterfinal. For the Bellator Lightweight World Championship.
Win 30–11 Peter Queally Decision (unanimous) Bellator 285 September 23, 2022 5 5:00 Dublin, Ireland Henderson was deducted one point in round 2 due to a groin strike.
Win 29–11 Islam Mamedov Decision (split) Bellator 273 January 29, 2022 3 5:00 Phoenix, Arizona, United States
Loss 28–11 Brent Primus Decision (unanimous) Bellator 268 October 16, 2021 3 5:00 Phoenix, Arizona, United States
Loss 28–10 Jason Jackson Decision (unanimous) Bellator 253 November 19, 2020 3 5:00 Uncasville, Connecticut, United States Welterweight bout.
Loss 28–9 Michael Chandler KO (punches) Bellator 243 August 7, 2020 1 2:09 Uncasville, Connecticut, United States
Win 28–8 Myles Jury Decision (unanimous) Bellator 227 September 27, 2019 3 5:00 Dublin, Ireland
Win 27–8 Adam Piccolotti Decision (split) Bellator 220 April 27, 2019 3 5:00 San Jose, California, United States
Win 26–8 Saad Awad Decision (unanimous) Bellator 208 October 13, 2018 3 5:00 Uniondale, New York, United States
Win 25–8 Roger Huerta Submission (guillotine choke) Bellator 196 April 6, 2018 2 0:49 Budapest, Hungary
Loss 24–8 Patricky Pitbull Decision (split) Bellator 183 September 23, 2017 3 5:00 San Jose, California, United States
Loss 24–7 Michael Chandler Decision (split) Bellator 165 November 19, 2016 5 5:00 San Jose, California, United States For the Bellator Lightweight World Championship.
Win 24–6 Patrício Pitbull TKO (leg injury) Bellator 160 August 26, 2016 2 2:26 Anaheim, California, United States Return to Lightweight.
Loss 23–6 Andrey Koreshkov Decision (unanimous) Bellator 153 April 22, 2016 5 5:00 Uncasville, Connecticut, United States For the Bellator Welterweight World Championship.
Win 23–5 Jorge Masvidal Decision (split) UFC Fight Night: Henderson vs. Masvidal November 28, 2015 5 5:00 Seoul, South Korea
Win 22–5 Brandon Thatch Submission (rear-naked choke) UFC Fight Night: Henderson vs. Thatch February 14, 2015 4 3:58 Broomfield, Colorado, United States Welterweight debut. Fight of the Night.
Loss 21–5 Donald Cerrone Decision (unanimous) UFC Fight Night: McGregor vs. Siver January 18, 2015 3 5:00 Boston, Massachusetts, United States
Loss 21–4 Rafael dos Anjos KO (punch) UFC Fight Night: Henderson vs. dos Anjos August 23, 2014 1 2:31 Tulsa, Oklahoma, United States
Win 21–3 Rustam Khabilov Submission (rear-naked choke) UFC Fight Night: Henderson vs. Khabilov June 7, 2014 4 1:16 Albuquerque, New Mexico, United States Performance of the Night.
Win 20–3 Josh Thomson Decision (split) UFC on Fox: Henderson vs. Thomson January 25, 2014 5 5:00 Chicago, Illinois, United States
Loss 19–3 Anthony Pettis Submission (armbar) UFC 164 August 31, 2013 1 4:31 Milwaukee, Wisconsin, United States Lost the UFC Lightweight Championship.
Win 19–2 Gilbert Melendez Decision (split) UFC on Fox: Henderson vs. Melendez April 20, 2013 5 5:00 San Jose, California, United States Defended the UFC Lightweight Championship.
Win 18–2 Nate Diaz Decision (unanimous) UFC on Fox: Henderson vs. Diaz December 8, 2012 5 5:00 Seattle, Washington, United States Defended the UFC Lightweight Championship.
Win 17–2 Frankie Edgar Decision (split) UFC 150 August 11, 2012 5 5:00 Denver, Colorado, United States Defended the UFC Lightweight Championship.
Win 16–2 Frankie Edgar Decision (unanimous) UFC 144 February 26, 2012 5 5:00 Saitama, Japan Won the UFC Lightweight Championship. Fight of the Night.
Win 15–2 Clay Guida Decision (unanimous) UFC on Fox: Velasquez vs. dos Santos November 12, 2011 3 5:00 Anaheim, California, United States UFC Lightweight title eliminator. Fight of the Night.
Win 14–2 Jim Miller Decision (unanimous) UFC Live: Hardy vs. Lytle August 14, 2011 3 5:00 Milwaukee, Wisconsin, United States
Win 13–2 Mark Bocek Decision (unanimous) UFC 129 April 30, 2011 3 5:00 Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Loss 12–2 Anthony Pettis Decision (unanimous) WEC 53 December 16, 2010 5 5:00 Glendale, Arizona, United States Lost the WEC Lightweight Championship. Fight of the Night.
Win 12–1 Donald Cerrone Submission (guillotine choke) WEC 48 April 24, 2010 1 1:57 Sacramento, California, United States Defended the WEC Lightweight Championship. Submission of the Night.
Win 11–1 Jamie Varner Submission (guillotine choke) WEC 46 January 10, 2010 3 2:41 Sacramento, California, United States Won and unified the WEC Lightweight Championship.
Win 10–1 Donald Cerrone Decision (unanimous) WEC 43 October 10, 2009 5 5:00 San Antonio, Texas, United States Won the interim WEC Lightweight Championship. Fight of the Night.
Win 9–1 Shane Roller TKO (punches) WEC 40 April 5, 2009 1 1:41 Chicago, Illinois, United States
Win 8–1 Anthony Njokuani Submission (guillotine choke) WEC 38 January 25, 2009 2 0:42 San Diego, California, United States
Win 7–1 Diego Saraiva Decision (unanimous) Evolution MMA October 4, 2008 3 5:00 Phoenix, Arizona, United States
Win 6–1 Ricardo Tirloni Submission (guillotine choke) MFC 17: Hostile Takeover July 25, 2008 2 3:49 Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
Win 5–1 Mike Maestas Submission (rear-naked choke) MFC 16: Anger Management May 9, 2008 3 4:11 Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
Win 4–1 Bryan Corley Submission (rear-naked choke) Victory FC 21: Infamous December 7, 2007 1 2:36 Council Bluffs, Iowa, United States
Win 3–1 David Dagloria TKO (submission to punches) Ultimate Combat Experience: Round 26: Episode 12 June 23, 2007 1 1:45 Ogden, Utah, United States
Loss 2–1 Rocky Johnson Technical Submission (anaconda choke) Battlequest 5: Avalanche March 31, 2007 1 0:46 Vail, Colorado, United States Catchweight (160 lbs) bout.
Win 2–0 Allen Williams TKO (punches) Victory FC 18: Hitmen February 16, 2007 1 1:37 Council Bluffs, Iowa, United States
Win 1–0 Dan Gregary TKO (submission to punches) Midwest Championship Fighting: Genesis November 18, 2006 1 4:21 North Platte, Nebraska, United States

Karate Combat record

[edit]
Professional record breakdown
1 match 0 wins 1 loss
By decision 0 1
Res. Record Opponent Method Event Date Round Time Location Notes
Loss 0–1 Anthony Pettis Decision (unanimous) Karate Combat 43 December 15, 2023 3 3:00 Las Vegas, Nevada, United States

Boxing record

[edit]
2 fights 1 win 1 loss
By decision 1 1
No. Result Record Opponent Type Round, time Date Location Notes
2 Loss 1–1 Idris Virgo UD 5 Sep 14, 2024 Vertu Motors Arena, Newcastle upon Tyne, England MF-Professional bout
Stake pro tournament final
1 Win 1–0 Chris Avila UD 5 MF-Professional bout
Stake pro tournament semifinal

Pay-per-view bouts

[edit]
No. Event Fight Venue City PPV Buys
1. UFC 144 Edgar vs. Henderson Saitama Super Arena Saitama, Japan 375,000[136]
2. UFC 150 Henderson vs. Edgar 2 Pepsi Center Denver, Colorado 190,000[137]
3. UFC 164 Henderson vs. Pettis 2 BMO Harris Bradley Center Milwaukee, Wisconsin 270,000[138]

See also

[edit]

References

[edit]
  1. ^ "Benson Henderson ("Smooth") | MMA Fighter Page".
  2. ^ "Benson Henderson". UFC.com. Archived from the original on January 21, 2016. Retrieved February 9, 2016.
  3. ^ a b c "Benson Henderson - Official UFC Fighter Profile". UFC.com. Retrieved January 20, 2015.
  4. ^ Ariel Helwani (June 4, 2013). "Celebrities congratulate Benson Henderson on receiving his BJJ black belt". MMA Fighting.
  5. ^ Bhattacharya, Ishaan (2021-10-30). "9 Best UFC Lightweight Champions Ever, Ranked". TheSportster. Retrieved 2024-03-11.
  6. ^ "Khabib Nurmagomedov, Frankie Edgar top our list of the 10 greatest lightweight fighters in MMA history". CBSSports.com. 2020-03-31. Retrieved 2024-03-11.
  7. ^ Ward, Tom (2022-11-22). "UFC: All 12 lightweight champions ranked". GiveMeSport. Retrieved 2024-03-11.
  8. ^ "종합격투기 Wec 챔피언, 몸에 한글문신 새긴 사연 - MSN 뉴스". Archived from the original on 2010-01-29. Retrieved 2010-01-13.
  9. ^ "Northwest Asian Weekly - Smooth Operator". www.nwasianweekly.com. 22 October 2009. Retrieved 2009-10-22.
  10. ^ "WEC - World Extreme Cagefighting - Benson Henderson". www.wec.tv.
  11. ^ Staff (January 22, 2009). "WEC Finalizes WEC 38 Fight Card". fightline.com.com.
  12. ^ ""WEC 38: Varner vs. Cerrone" round by round updates and official results". MMAjunkie.com. January 25, 2009.
  13. ^ Sam Caplan (February 2, 2009). "Shane Roller vs. Ben Henderson set for WEC 40 in April". fiveouncesofpain.com.com.
  14. ^ "WEC 40 lives results, play-by-play and photos". mmaweekly.com. April 5, 2009.
  15. ^ "WEC 43: Cerrone vs. Henderson on October 10 in San Antonio, Texas". MMAFrenzy.com. Archived from the original on August 30, 2009. Retrieved August 29, 2009.
  16. ^ a b "Henderson & Cerrone earn extra with WEC bonuses". www.mmaweekly.com. 11 October 2009. Retrieved 2022-02-02.
  17. ^ "Sherdog's Fight of the Year". www.sherdog.com. Retrieved 2010-01-14.
  18. ^ Adam Wagner (2009-11-02). "WEC 46: 'Varner vs Henderson' announced for Arco Arena on Jan. 10". mmmamania.com. Retrieved 2009-11-02.
  19. ^ Ray Hui (2010-01-10). "WEC 46: Ben Henderson Submits Jamie Varner, Unifies Lightweight Belts". mmafighting.com. Retrieved 2010-01-10.
  20. ^ Nelo2.0 (2010-02-03). "WEC 48: "Aldo vs Faber" Officially Announced for PPV Event, Henderson vs Cerrone added". urdirt.com. Archived from the original on 2010-02-07. Retrieved 2010-02-03.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link)
  21. ^ "WEC 48: Ben Henderson submits Donald Cerrone". mmaedition.com. 2010-04-24. Retrieved 2010-04-25.
  22. ^ a b "WEC 48 fighter bonuses; $65,000 checks". mmaweekly.com. April 25, 2010.
  23. ^ "Henderson vs. Pettis official for WEC Dec 16". MMAweekly.com. 2010-09-23. Retrieved February 2, 2022.
  24. ^ Brent Brookhouse (December 17, 2010). "WEC 53 Results: Anthony Pettis Defeats Ben Henderson In Final WEC Fight". SB Nation.
  25. ^ a b Morgan, John (December 17, 2010). "WEC 53 bonuses: Wineland, Roller, Pettis and Henderson earn $10K awards". MMAjunkie.com. Retrieved February 2, 2022.
  26. ^ "UFC and WEC set to merge in 2011; events to air on Versus and Spike TV". mmajunkie.com. October 28, 2010. Archived from the original on 2010-10-31.
  27. ^ Gene Mrosko (January 4, 2011). "UFC 129: Ben Henderson vs Mark Bocek booked for April 30 in Toronto". mmammamania.com.
  28. ^ Nate Wilcox (April 30, 2011). "UFC 129 Results: Ben Henderson Whips Up On Mark Bocek". bloodyelbow.com.
  29. ^ "Jim Miller Faces Benson Henderson in a Lightweight Bout at UFC on Versus 5". mmaweekly.com. May 11, 2011.
  30. ^ Ross Cole (August 14, 2011). "Ben Henderson Defeats Jim Miller At UFC On Versus 5". fightofthenight.com.
  31. ^ "Clay Guida vs. Benson Henderson in the works for UFC on FOX 1". mmajunkie.com. 2011-09-06. Retrieved February 2, 2022.
  32. ^ Leland Roling (2011-11-12). "UFC on Fox Results: Ben Henderson Edges Clay Guida in Wild Affair". bloodyelbow.com.
  33. ^ a b Geno Mrosko (November 12, 2011). "UFC on FOX 1 bonuses and awards for 'Velasquez vs Dos Santos' in Anaheim". mmamania.com.
  34. ^ "UFC champ Frankie Edgar faces Benson Henderson at February's UFC Japan event". mmajunkie.com. November 12, 2011. Retrieved February 2, 2022.
  35. ^ Michael David Smith (2012-02-26). "UFC 144 Results: Ben Henderson beats Frankie Edgar". mmafighting.com.
  36. ^ a b Gene Mrosko (2012-02-26). "UFC 144 bonuses and awards for 'Edgar vs Henderson' in Japan". mmamania.com.
  37. ^ "Benson Henderson vs. Frankie Edgar II official for UFC 150 in Denver". mmajunkie.com. May 8, 2012. Archived from the original on May 11, 2012.
  38. ^ "UFC 150 Results: Benson Henderson Takes the Decision Over Frankie Edgar". mmafighting.com. Aug 12, 2012.
  39. ^ "Benson Henderson Vs Nate Diaz Headlines Stacked UFC On FOX 5 Event". fightofthenight.com.com. August 15, 2012.
  40. ^ Gene Mrosko (December 8, 2012). "UFC on FOX 5 results: Ben Henderson destroys Nate Diaz to retain lightweight title". mmamania.com.
  41. ^ Mike Chiapetta (2013-01-14). "UFC on FOX 7 targeted for Benson Henderson vs. Gilbert Melendez lightweight title fight". mmafighting.com. Retrieved 2013-01-14.
  42. ^ Staff (April 21, 2013). "Benson Henderson edges out Gilbert Melendez at UFC on Fox 7". insidemma.com.au. Archived from the original on March 24, 2015. Retrieved March 10, 2015.
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[edit]
Awards and achievements
New title 1st WEC Interim Lightweight Champion
October 10, 2009 - January 10, 2010 		Vacant
Preceded by 6th WEC Lightweight Champion
January 10, 2010 - December 16, 2010 		Succeeded by
Preceded by 5th UFC Lightweight Champion
February 26, 2012 – August 31, 2013 		Succeeded by
Retrieved from "https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Benson_Henderson&oldid=1256389776"