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{{Short description|American mixed martial artist (born 1983)}}
{{redirect|Bendo|Australian tree|Eucalyptus exserta}}
{{Infobox martial artist
{{Infobox martial artist
| name = Benson Henderson
| name = Benson Henderson
| other_names = Smooth<ref>http://www.sherdog.com/fighter/Benson-Henderson-20548</ref>
| image = Benhendersonfighter.jpg
| image = Benhendersonfighter.jpg
| alt =
| image_size =
| caption =
| nickname = Smooth
| caption = Henderson in 2008
| birth_name =
| birth_name =
| birth_date = {{birth date and age|1983|11|16}}
| birth_date = {{birth date and age|1983|11|16}}
| birth_place = [[Colorado Springs, Colorado]], [[United States|USA]]
| birth_place = [[Colorado Springs, Colorado]], U.S.
| death_date =
| residence = [[Phoenix, Arizona]], U.S.
| death_place =
| death_cause =
| residence = {{flagicon|Arizona}} [[Arizona]]
| nationality = {{flagicon|United States}} [[People of the United States|American]]
| height = {{height|ft=5|in=9}}
| height = {{height|ft=5|in=9}}
| height_footnote =
| weight = {{convert|155|lb|kg st|abbr=on}}
| weight_lb = 155
| weight_class = [[Lightweight (MMA)|Lightweight]]
| weight_footnote =
| reach = {{convert|70.0|in|cm|abbr=on}}
| weight_class = [[Lightweight (MMA)|Lightweight]] (2006–2015, 2016–2023)<br />[[Welterweight (MMA)|Welterweight]] (2015–2016, 2020)
| style = [[Wrestling]], [[Tae Kwon Do]], [[Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu]], [[Muay Thai]]
| reach = {{convert|71|in|cm|abbr=on}}<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.tapology.com/fightcenter/fighters/ben-henderson-smooth|title=Benson Henderson ("Smooth") &#124; MMA Fighter Page}}</ref>
| stance = [[southpaw]]
| reach_footnote = {{r|ufcbio}}
| fighting_out_of = [[Glendale, Arizona]]
| team = MMA Lab
| stance = Southpaw
| style =
| rank = {{color box|black}} ''black belt in [[Taekwondo]]''<br />{{color box|brown}} ''brown belt in [[Brazilian<!--Do not shorten to BJJ--> Jiu-Jitsu]]''
| fighting_out_of = [[Glendale, Arizona]], U.S.
| years_active = 2006–present [[Mixed martial arts|MMA]]
| mma_win = 12
| team = [[The MMA Lab]]
| rank = Black belt in [[Taekwondo]]<ref name=UFCprofile>{{cite web|url=http://www.ufc.com/fighter/Benson-Henderson|title=Benson Henderson - Official UFC Fighter Profile|publisher=UFC.com|access-date=January 20, 2015}}</ref><br /> Black belt in [[Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu]] <small>under John Crouch</small><ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.mmafighting.com/2013/6/4/4395760/celebrities-congratulate-benson-henderson-on-receiving-his-bjj-black|title=Celebrities congratulate Benson Henderson on receiving his BJJ black belt|publisher=MMA Fighting|author=Ariel Helwani|date=June 4, 2013}}</ref>
| mma_kowin = 2
| wrestling = [[National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics|NAIA]] [[Collegiate wrestling|Wrestling]]<ref name=UFCprofile />
| mma_subwin = 8
| mma_decwin = 2
| years_active = 2006–2023
| mma_loss = 2
| mma_kowin = 5
| mma_koloss =
| mma_subwin = 9
| mma_subloss = 1
| mma_decwin = 16
| mma_decloss = 1
| mma_koloss = 2
| mma_draw =
| mma_subloss = 3
| mma_decloss = 7
| mma_draw =
| mma_nc =
| mma_nc =
| occupation =
| occupation =
| university = [[Dana College]]
| university = [[Dana College]]
| spouse =
| spouse =
| children =
| children =
| relatives =
| relatives =
| students =
| students =
| club =
| club =
| school = [[Decatur High School (Federal Way, Washington)|Decatur High School]]
| school = [[Decatur High School (Federal Way, Washington)|Decatur High School]]
| url = http://www.smoothben.com/
| url =
| sherdog = 20548
| sherdog = 20548
| footnotes =
| footnotes =
| updated = April 14, 2010
| updated =
| medaltemplates = {{MedalCountry|{{USA}}}}
}}
{{MedalSport | Men's [[Grappling]]}}
{{MedalCompetition|[[World Nogi Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Championship|World No-Gi Jiu-Jitsu Championship]]}}
{{MedalBronze|2014 Long Beach|79.5 kg (Black)}}
{{MedalCompetition|[[World Jiu-Jitsu Championship]]}}
{{MedalBronze|2011 Long Beach|76 kg (Brown)}}}}


'''Benson Henderson''' (born November 16, 1983) is an [[United States|American]] [[mixed martial arts|mixed martial artist]]. He fights for the [[UFC]] in their lightweight division and is a former [[List of WEC champions#Lightweight Championship|WEC Lightweight Champion]].
'''Benson Henderson''' (born November 16, 1983) is an American former professional [[mixed martial arts|mixed martial artist]], who most recently competed in the [[Lightweight (MMA)|Lightweight]] division for [[Bellator MMA]]. He is a former [[List of UFC champions#Lightweight Championship|UFC Lightweight Champion]] and [[List of WEC champions#Lightweight Championship|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.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Bhattacharya |first=Ishaan |date=2021-10-30 |title=9 Best UFC Lightweight Champions Ever, Ranked |url=https://www.thesportster.com/10-best-ufc-lightweight-champions-ever-ranked/ |access-date=2024-03-11 |website=TheSportster |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2020-03-31 |title=Khabib Nurmagomedov, Frankie Edgar top our list of the 10 greatest lightweight fighters in MMA history |url=https://www.cbssports.com/mma/news/khabib-nurmagomedov-frankie-edgar-top-our-list-of-the-10-greatest-lightweight-fighters-in-mma-history/ |access-date=2024-03-11 |website=CBSSports.com |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Ward |first=Tom |date=2022-11-22 |title=UFC: All 12 lightweight champions ranked |url=https://www.givemesport.com/88086893-ufc-lightweight-champions-ranked/ |access-date=2024-03-11 |website=GiveMeSport |language=en}}</ref>


==Early life==
==Early life==
Henderson was born in [[Colorado Springs, Colorado]] to a [[Korean American ]] mother and an [[African American]] father.<ref>http://news.msn.co.kr/article/read.html?cate_code=8400&article_id=201001131050103012</ref> He was raised in [[Federal Way, Washington]]. He attended [[Decatur High School (Federal Way, Washington)|Decatur High School]] from 1998 to 2001. 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.<ref name="wec01">{{cite web|url=http://www.wec.tv/BenHenderson|title=WEC - World Extreme Cagefighting - Ben Henderson|publisher=www.wec.tv}}</ref>
Henderson was born in [[Colorado Springs, Colorado]] to a [[Koreans|Korean]] mother and an [[African Americans|African American]] father.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://news.msn.co.kr/article/read.html?cate_code=8400&article_id=201001131050103012 |title=종합격투기 Wec 챔피언, 몸에 한글문신 새긴 사연 - MSN 뉴스 |access-date=2010-01-13 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100129075846/http://news.msn.co.kr/article/read.html?cate_code=8400&article_id=201001131050103012 |archive-date=2010-01-29 }}</ref> Benson has an older brother, Julius, who was born in Korea.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.nwasianweekly.com/2009/10/smooth-operator/|title=Northwest Asian Weekly - Smooth Operator|date=22 October 2009|publisher=www.nwasianweekly.com|access-date=2009-10-22}}</ref> 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 (Federal Way, Washington)|Decatur High School]] from 1998 to 2001. Benson became a part of the high school's [[scholastic wrestling|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 [[collegiate wrestling|wrestling]] team, and was twice named an [[NAIA Men's Wrestling Championship|NAIA]] All-American.<ref name=UFCprofile />


{{blockquote|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.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wec.tv/BenHenderson|title=WEC - World Extreme Cagefighting - Benson Henderson|publisher=www.wec.tv}}</ref>}}
Henderson is currently a [[Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu]] Brown belt under John Crouch, who is a black belt under [[Royce Gracie]].<ref>http://smoothben.ning.com/profiles/blogs/so-yeah?xg_source=shorten_twitter</ref>


==Mixed martial arts career==
==Mixed martial arts career==
Henderson compiled a 2-1 record as an amateur before turning professional in 2006, winning his first match against Dan Gregary.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.mixedmartialarts.com/mma.cfm?go=stats.fighterDetail&pid=D2E0391462FE9309|title=Ben Henderson "Smooth" Official Mixed Martial Arts Record|publisher=www.mixedmartialarts.com}}</ref> He lost his third fight to Rocky Johnson via 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.
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===
===World Extreme Cagefighting===
Three months later, Henderson made his World Extreme Cagefighting (WEC) debut against [[Anthony Njokuani]]. Henderson defeated Njokuani after with a guillotine choke early in round two. He made his second appearance in the WEC at [[WEC 40]] knocking out contender [[Shane Roller]].


====WEC Lightweight Championship====
Henderson was given an opportunity to fight for the WEC interim lightweight title against [[Donald Cerrone]] when lightweight champion [[Jamie Varner]] was unable to defend his title due to an injury. The fight was the main event for [[WEC 43]] which was held in Texas. 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.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.mmaweekly.com/absolutenm/templates/dailynews.asp?articleid=9747&zoneid=13|title=HENDERSON & CERRONE EARN EXTRA WITH WEC BONUSES|publisher=www.mmaweekly.com|accessdate=2009-10-11}}</ref> The bout was also awarded ''2009 Fight of the Year'' for all of [[mixed martial arts|MMA]] by ''[[Sherdog.com]]''<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.sherdog.com/news/articles/Sherdogs-Fight-of-the-Year-21996|title=Sherdog's Fight of the Year|publisher=www.sherdog.com|accessdate=2010-01-14}}</ref>
Three months later, Henderson made his World Extreme Cagefighting debut on January 25, 2009, at [[WEC 38]] against [[Anthony Njokuani]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.fightline.com/fl-news-2009-0122-382543-/|title=WEC Finalizes WEC 38 Fight Card|work=fightline.com.com|author=Staff|date=January 22, 2009}}</ref> Henderson defeated Njokuani with a guillotine choke early in round two.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://mmajunkie.usatoday.com/2009/01/wec-38-varner-vs-cerrone-round-by-round-updates-and-official-results|title="WEC 38: Varner vs. Cerrone" round by round updates and official results|date=January 25, 2009|work=[[MMAjunkie.com]]}}</ref>


Henderson faced [[Shane Roller]] on April 5, 2009, at [[WEC 40]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://fiveouncesofpain.com/2009/02/02/shane-roller-vs-ben-henderson-set-for-wec-40-in-april/|title=Shane Roller vs. Ben Henderson set for WEC 40 in April|work=fiveouncesofpain.com.com|author=Sam Caplan|date=February 2, 2009}}</ref> Henderson won the bout via first-round TKO.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.mmaweekly.com/wec-40-lives-results-play-by-play-and-photos-2|title=WEC 40 lives results, play-by-play and photos|date=April 5, 2009|publisher=mmaweekly.com}}</ref>
Henderson defeated Jamie Varner with a Guillotine choke to unify the WEC Lightweight Championship at [[WEC 46]] on January 10, 2010. 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.<ref>[http://mmajunkie.com/news/17496/wec-46-live-results-and-play-by-play.mma WEC 46 live results and play by play]</ref>


====Interim WEC Lightweight Championship====
Henderson had his first title defense in a rematch with [[Donald Cerrone]] on April 24, 2010 at [[WEC 48]], defeating Cerrone via guillotine choke in the first round.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.bloodyelbow.com/2010/4/24/1441784/wec-48-aldo-vs-faber-live-results |title=WEC 48: Aldo vs. Faber - Live Results and Commentary |accessdate=2010-04-25 |publisher=BLOODYELBOW.com |date=2010-04-24}}</ref>
Henderson was given an opportunity to fight for the [[WEC Lightweight Championship|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]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://mmafrenzy.com/11420/wec-43-cerrone-vs-henderson-on-october-10-in-san-antonio-texas/ |title=WEC 43: Cerrone vs. Henderson on October 10 in San Antonio, Texas |publisher=MMAFrenzy.com |access-date=August 29, 2009 |archive-date=August 30, 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090830215948/http://mmafrenzy.com/11420/wec-43-cerrone-vs-henderson-on-october-10-in-san-antonio-texas/ |url-status=dead }}</ref> 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''.<ref name=wec43b>{{cite web|url=https://www.mmaweekly.com/henderson-cerrone-earn-extra-with-wec-bonuses-2|title=Henderson & Cerrone earn extra with WEC bonuses|date=11 October 2009 |publisher=www.mmaweekly.com|access-date=2022-02-02}}</ref> The bout was also awarded ''2009 Fight of the Year'' for all of [[mixed martial arts|MMA]] by ''[[Sherdog.com]]''<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.sherdog.com/news/articles/Sherdogs-Fight-of-the-Year-21996|title=Sherdog's Fight of the Year|publisher=www.sherdog.com|access-date=2010-01-14}}</ref>


====Undisputed WEC Lightweight Championship====
Henderson faced [[Anthony Pettis]] on December 16, 2010 at [[WEC 53]].<ref>{{cite web| url=http://www.mmaweekly.com/absolutenm/templates/dailynews.asp?articleid=12683&zoneid=13| title=HENDERSON VS. PETTIS OFFICIAL FOR WEC DEC 16| publisher=MMAweekly.com| date=2010-09-23}}</ref> Henderson lost his title by unanimous decision. The fight won ''Fight of the Night'' honors.
Henderson faced Jamie Varner to unify the WEC Lightweight Championship at [[WEC 46]] on January 10, 2010.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.mmamania.com/2009/11/02/wec-46-varner-vs-henderson-announced-for-arco-arena-on-jan-10|title=WEC 46: 'Varner vs Henderson' announced for Arco Arena on Jan. 10|publisher=mmmamania.com|author=Adam Wagner|access-date=2009-11-02|date=2009-11-02}}</ref> 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.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.mmafighting.com/2010/01/10/wec-46-ben-henderson-submits-jamie-varner|title=WEC 46: Ben Henderson Submits Jamie Varner, Unifies Lightweight Belts|publisher=mmafighting.com|author=Ray Hui|access-date=2010-01-10|date=2010-01-10}}</ref>

Henderson had his first title defense in a rematch with Donald Cerrone on April 24, 2010, at [[WEC 48]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.urdirt.com/2010/02/03/wec-48-aldo-vs-faber-officially-announced-for-ppv-event-henderson-vs-cerrone-brown-vs-gamburyan-added/|title=WEC 48: "Aldo vs Faber" Officially Announced for PPV Event, Henderson vs Cerrone added|publisher=urdirt.com|author=Nelo2.0|access-date=2010-02-03|date=2010-02-03|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100207002723/http://urdirt.com/2010/02/03/wec-48-aldo-vs-faber-officially-announced-for-ppv-event-henderson-vs-cerrone-brown-vs-gamburyan-added/|archive-date=2010-02-07|url-status=dead}}</ref> defeating Cerrone via guillotine choke in the first round.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.mmaedition.com/wec-48-ben-henderson-submits-donald-cerrone/|title=WEC 48: Ben Henderson submits Donald Cerrone|access-date=2010-04-25 |publisher=mmaedition.com |date=2010-04-24}}</ref> The win earned him a ''Submission of the Night'' bonus award.<ref name=wec48b>{{cite web|url=https://www.mmaweekly.com/wec-48-fighter-bonuses-65000-checks-2|title=WEC 48 fighter bonuses; $65,000 checks|date=April 25, 2010|publisher=mmaweekly.com}}</ref>

Henderson faced [[Anthony Pettis]] on December 16, 2010, at [[WEC 53]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.mmaweekly.com/henderson-vs-pettis-official-for-wec-dec-16|title=Henderson vs. Pettis official for WEC Dec 16|publisher=MMAweekly.com |date=2010-09-23|access-date=February 2, 2022}}</ref> Henderson lost his title by unanimous decision.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.sbnation.com/mma/2010/12/17/1881359/wec-53-results-anthony-pettis-defeates-ben-henderson-in-final-wec|title=WEC 53 Results: Anthony Pettis Defeats Ben Henderson In Final WEC Fight|date=December 17, 2010|work=[[SB Nation]]|author=Brent Brookhouse}}</ref> The fight won ''Fight of the Night'' honors.<ref name=wec53b>{{cite web |url=https://mmajunkie.usatoday.com/2010/12/wec-53-bonuses-wineland-roller-pettis-and-henderson-earn-10k-awards|title=WEC 53 bonuses: Wineland, Roller, Pettis and Henderson earn $10K awards |last1=Morgan |first1=John|date=December 17, 2010 |work=[[MMAjunkie.com]] |access-date=February 2, 2022}}</ref>


===Ultimate Fighting Championship===
===Ultimate Fighting Championship===
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.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://mmajunkie.com/news/21189/ufc-and-wec-set-to-merge-in-2011-events-to-air-on-versus-and-spike-tv.mma |title=UFC and WEC set to merge in 2011; events to air on Versus and Spike TV |publisher=mmajunkie.com |date=October 28, 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101031080229/http://mmajunkie.com/news/21189/ufc-and-wec-set-to-merge-in-2011-events-to-air-on-versus-and-spike-tv.mma |archive-date=2010-10-31 }}</ref>


Henderson made his UFC debut at [[UFC 129]] on April 30, 2011, where he faced [[Mark Bocek]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.mmamania.com/2011/1/4/1912703/ufc-129-ben-henderson-vs-mark-bocek-booked-for-april-30-in-toronto|title=UFC 129: Ben Henderson vs Mark Bocek booked for April 30 in Toronto|work=mmammamania.com|author=Gene Mrosko|date=January 4, 2011}}</ref> Henderson won the fight via unanimous decision.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.bloodyelbow.com/2011/4/30/2145543/bocek-vs-henderson-results-ufc-129-results-mark-bocek-vs-ben-henderson|title=UFC 129 Results: Ben Henderson Whips Up On Mark Bocek|work=bloodyelbow.com|author=Nate Wilcox|date=April 30, 2011}}</ref>
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.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://mmajunkie.com/news/21189/ufc-and-wec-set-to-merge-in-2011-events-to-air-on-versus-and-spike-tv.mma|title=UFC and WEC set to merge in 2011; events to air on Versus and Spike TV|publisher=mmajunkie.com|date=October 28, 2010}}</ref>


Henderson next faced [[Jim Miller (fighter)|Jim Miller]] on August 14, 2011, at [[UFC on Versus 5]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://mmaweekly.com/jim-miller-faces-ben-henderson-in-a-lightweight-bout-at-ufc-on-versus-5|title=Jim Miller Faces Benson Henderson in a Lightweight Bout at UFC on Versus 5| publisher=mmaweekly.com|date=May 11, 2011}}</ref> 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).<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.fightofthenight.com/news/ben-henderson-defeats-jim-miller-at-ufc-on-versus-5|title=Ben Henderson Defeats Jim Miller At UFC On Versus 5| publisher=fightofthenight.com|author=Ross Cole|date=August 14, 2011}}</ref>
Henderson is expected to face [[Mark Bocek]] on April 30, 2011 at [[UFC 129]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://mmajunkie.com/news/21965/ben-henderson-vs-mark-bocek-targeted-for-ufc-129-in-toronto.mma|title=Ben Henderson vs. Mark Bocek targeted for UFC 129 in Toronto |publisher=mmajunkie.com|date=January 3, 2011}}</ref>


Henderson faced [[Clay Guida]] on November 12, 2011, at [[UFC on Fox 1]].<ref>{{cite web |url=https://mmajunkie.usatoday.com/2011/09/clay-guida-vs-ben-henderson-in-the-works-for-ufc-on-fox-1|title=Clay Guida vs. Benson Henderson in the works for UFC on FOX 1 |publisher=mmajunkie.com |date=2011-09-06 |access-date=February 2, 2022}}</ref> He won the fight via unanimous decision after three rounds in an action packed war that earned both fighters ''Fight of the Night'' honors.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.bloodyelbow.com/2011/11/12/2556171/ufc-on-fox-results-ben-henderson-edges-clay-guida-in-wild-affair |title= UFC on Fox Results: Ben Henderson Edges Clay Guida in Wild Affair |publisher=bloodyelbow.com |author=Leland Roling|date=2011-11-12}}</ref><ref name=fox1b>{{cite web|url=https://www.mmamania.com/2011/11/12/2557836/ufc-on-fox-1-bonuses-and-awards-for-velasquez-vs-dos-santos-in-anaheim|title=UFC on FOX 1 bonuses and awards for 'Velasquez vs Dos Santos' in Anaheim|date=November 12, 2011|publisher=mmamania.com|author=Geno Mrosko}}</ref> With the win, he became the #1 contender for the [[UFC Lightweight Championship|UFC Lightweight title]].
==Personal life==

Ben has one older brother, Julius Henderson.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.nwasianweekly.com/2009/10/smooth-operator/|title=Northwest Asian Weekly - Smooth Operator|publisher=www.nwasianweekly.com|accessdate=2009-10-22}}</ref> Ben and his girlfriend Katie are engaged.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://blog.mmasocialites.com/2010/01/a-different-side-of-ben-henderson.html |title=A Different Side of Ben Henderson |accessdate=2010-04-01 |publisher=MMASOCIALITES.com |date=2010-01-28}}</ref>
====UFC Lightweight Championship====
Henderson faced [[Frankie Edgar]] on February 26, 2012, at [[UFC 144]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://mmajunkie.usatoday.com/2011/11/ufc-champ-frankie-edgar-faces-ben-henderson-at-februarys-ufc-japan-event|title=UFC champ Frankie Edgar faces Benson Henderson at February's UFC Japan event|publisher=mmajunkie.com|date=November 12, 2011|access-date=February 2, 2022}}</ref> Henderson defeated Edgar via unanimous decision to become the new [[UFC Lightweight Championship|UFC Lightweight Champion]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.mmafighting.com/2012/2/26/2825200/ufc-144-results-ben-henderson-beats-frankie-edgar|title= UFC 144 Results: Ben Henderson beats Frankie Edgar|publisher=mmafighting.com |author=Michael David Smith|date=2012-02-26}}</ref> Both participants earned ''Fight of the Night'' honors for their performance.<ref name=ufc144b>{{cite web |url=http://www.mmamania.com/2012/2/26/2825266/ufc-144-bonuses-and-awards-for-edgar-vs-henderson-in-japan|title= UFC 144 bonuses and awards for 'Edgar vs Henderson' in Japan|publisher=mmamania.com |author=Gene Mrosko|date=2012-02-26}}</ref>

A rematch with Edgar took place on August 11, 2012, at [[UFC 150]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://mmajunkie.com/news/28617/benson-henderson-vs-frankie-edgar-ii-official-for-ufc-150-in-denver.mma|title=Benson Henderson vs. Frankie Edgar II official for UFC 150 in Denver|work=mmajunkie.com|date=May 8, 2012|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120511100436/http://mmajunkie.com/news/28617/benson-henderson-vs-frankie-edgar-ii-official-for-ufc-150-in-denver.mma|archive-date=May 11, 2012}}</ref> In a bout that was very tightly contested, Henderson defeated Edgar again, this time via split decision.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.mmafighting.com/ufc/2012/8/12/3237078/ufc-150-results-ben-henderson-takes-the-decision-over-frankie#3651303|title=UFC 150 Results: Benson Henderson Takes the Decision Over Frankie Edgar|work=mmafighting.com|date=Aug 12, 2012}}</ref>

Henderson faced [[Nate Diaz]] on December 8, 2012, at [[UFC on Fox 5]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.fightofthenight.com/news/ben-henderson-vs-nate-diaz-headlines-stacked-ufc-on-fox-5-event/|title=Benson Henderson Vs Nate Diaz Headlines Stacked UFC On FOX 5 Event|work=fightofthenight.com.com|date=August 15, 2012}}</ref> 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.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.mmamania.com/2012/12/8/3745422/ufc-on-fox-5-results-ben-henderson-destroys-nate-diaz-to-retain-lightweight-title|title=UFC on FOX 5 results: Ben Henderson destroys Nate Diaz to retain lightweight title|work=mmamania.com|author=Gene Mrosko|date=December 8, 2012}}</ref>

Henderson faced the final [[List of Strikeforce champions|Strikeforce Lightweight Champion]], and promotional newcomer [[Gilbert Melendez]] on April 20, 2013, at [[UFC on Fox 7]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.mmafighting.com/2013/1/14/3875970/ufc-on-fox-7-targeted-for-benson-henderson-vs-gilbert-melendez |title=UFC on FOX 7 targeted for Benson Henderson vs. Gilbert Melendez lightweight title fight |publisher=mmafighting.com |author=Mike Chiapetta|date=2013-01-14|access-date=2013-01-14}}</ref> Henderson won the fight by a closely contested split decision.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.insidemma.com.au/news/376-benson-henderson-edges-out-gilbert-melendez-at-ufc-on-fox-7|title=Benson Henderson edges out Gilbert Melendez at UFC on Fox 7|work=insidemma.com.au|author=Staff|date=April 21, 2013|access-date=March 10, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150324100025/http://www.insidemma.com.au/news/376-benson-henderson-edges-out-gilbert-melendez-at-ufc-on-fox-7|archive-date=March 24, 2015|url-status=dead}}</ref> 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====

Henderson was expected to face [[T. J. Grant]] on August 31, 2013, at [[UFC 164]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.mmamania.com/2013/6/4/4397404/benson-henderson-vs-t-j-grant-lightweight-title-fight-announced-as-ufc-164-headliner-mma |title=Benson Henderson vs. T.J. Grant lightweight title fight announced as UFC 164 headliner |publisher=mmamania.com |author=Mike Bohn|date=2013-06-04|access-date=2013-06-04}}</ref> 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]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.mmajunkie.com/news/2013/07/t-j-grant-injured-anthony-pettis-now-meets-champ-benson-henderson-at-ufc-164 |title=T.J. Grant injured, Anthony Pettis now meets champ Benson Henderson at UFC 164 |publisher=mmajunkie.com |author=John Morgan|date=2013-07-12|access-date=2013-07-12}}</ref> Pettis defeated Henderson via submission (armbar) in the first round.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.sherdog.com/news/news/Anthony-Pettis-Submits-Benson-Henderson-Captures-Lightweight-Crown-at-UFC-164-55745|title=Anthony Pettis Submits Benson Henderson, Captures Lightweight Crown at UFC 164|date=August 31, 2013|work=[[Sherdog]]|author=Brian Knapp}}</ref> 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]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://mmajunkie.com/2013/11/17/benson-henderson-vs-josh-thomson-headlines-ufc-on-fox-10-in-chicago/|title=Benson Henderson vs. Josh Thomson headlines UFC on FOX 10 in Chicago|publisher=mmajunkie.com|author=Matt Erickson|date=2013-11-17|access-date=2013-11-17}}</ref> 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.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/mma/story/_/id/10327244/ufc-fox-10-roundup-benson-henderson-edges-josh-thomson-thriller|title=Henderson edges Thomson in thriller|publisher=[[ESPN]]|author=Brett Okamoto|date=2014-01-25|access-date=2014-01-25}}</ref> Many media outlets and observers were split on who they thought should have been declared the winner.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://mmadecisions.com/decision/4844/Benson-Henderson-vs-Josh-Thomson|title=Benson Henderson defeats Josh Thomson|publisher=mmadecisions.com|author=Staff|date=2014-01-25|access-date=2014-01-25}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://sports.yahoo.com/blogs/mma-cagewriter/benson-henderson-gets-controversial-nod-over-josh-thomson-034606517--mma.html|title=Benson Henderson gets controversial nod over Josh Thomson at UFC on Fox 10|date=26 January 2014|work=Yahoo Sports|access-date=14 June 2015}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.mmafighting.com/2014/1/25/5346338/ufc-on-fox-10-results-ben-henderson-wins-controversial-call-over-josh|title=UFC on FOX 10 results: Ben Henderson wins controversial call over Josh Thomson|author=Dave Doyle|work=MMA Fighting|date=25 January 2014|access-date=14 June 2015}}</ref> 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.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://hosteddb.fightmetric.com/fights/index/4602|archive-url=https://archive.today/20140127164109/http://hosteddb.fightmetric.com/fights/index/4602|url-status=dead|archive-date=2014-01-27|title=UFC on Fox 10|publisher=hosteddb.fightmetric.com|date=2014-01-25|access-date=2014-01-25}}</ref>

Henderson faced [[Rustam Khabilov]] on June 7, 2014, in the main event at [[UFC Fight Night: Henderson vs. Khabilov]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://mmajunkie.com/2014/03/benson-henderson-rustam-khabilov-headline-june-ufc-event-in-albuquerque/|title=Benson Henderson-Rustam Khabilov headline June UFC event in Albuquerque|publisher=mmajunkie.com|author=Staff|access-date=2014-03-18|date=2014-03-18}}</ref> 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.<ref name=ufn42b>{{cite web|url=http://mmajunkie.com/2014/06/ufc-fight-night-42-bonuses-henderson-hallmann-among-award-winners|title=UFC Fight Night 42 bonuses: Henderson, Hallmann among award winners|publisher=mmajunkie.com|author=Staff|access-date=2014-06-08|date=2014-06-08}}</ref>

Henderson headlined [[UFC Fight Night 49]] against [[Rafael dos Anjos]] on August 23, 2014.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.tulsaworld.com/email_stories/ufc-in-tulsa-main-event-announced/article_f1cba6f3-cec9-5b54-93a9-b37a249ac6b1.html|title=UFC in Tulsa main event announced|publisher=tulsaworld.com|author=Ryan Grab|access-date=2014-06-17|date=2014-06-17}}</ref> He lost the fight via knockout in the first round.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.bloodyelbow.com/2014/8/24/6061825/ufc-fight-night-tulsa-results-rafael-dos-anjos-kos-benson-henderson-mma-news|title=UFC Fight Night Tulsa results: Rafael dos Anjos KOs Benson Henderson in the first round|author=Karim Zidan|work=Bloody Elbow|date=24 August 2014|access-date=14 June 2015}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.sherdog.com/events/UFC-Fight-Night-Henderson-vs-dos-Anjos-37361|title=UFC Fight Night - Henderson vs. dos Anjos|work=Sherdog|access-date=14 June 2015}}</ref>

Henderson was scheduled to fight [[Eddie Alvarez]] on January 18, 2015, at [[UFC Fight Night 59]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://mmajunkie.com/2014/10/report-benson-henderson-vs-eddie-alvarez-added-to-ufc-fight-night-59-in-boston|title=Benson Henderson vs. Eddie Alvarez co-headlines UFC Fight Night 59 in Boston|publisher=mmajunkie.com|author=Staff|access-date=2014-10-29|date=2014-10-29}}</ref> However, Alvarez pulled out of the fight in early January due to illness, and was replaced by Donald Cerrone in a rematch.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://mmajunkie.com/2015/01/donald-cerrone-replaces-eddie-alvarez-meets-benson-henderson-at-ufc-fight-night-59|title=Donald Cerrone replaces Eddie Alvarez, meets Benson Henderson at UFC Fight Night 59|publisher=mmajunkie.com|author=Staff|date=2015-01-05|access-date=2015-01-05}}</ref> Henderson lost the fight via a controversial unanimous decision.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/mma/story/_/id/12189912/donald-cerrone-edges-benson-henderson-thriller|title=Donald Cerrone earns close decision|publisher=[[ESPN]]|author=Brett Okamoto|date=2015-01-19|access-date=2015-01-19}}</ref> 12 of 14 media outlets scored the bout in favor of Henderson.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.mmadecisions.com/decision/5921/Donald-Cerrone-vs-Benson-Henderson|title=Donald Cerrone defeats Benson Henderson|publisher=mmadecisions.com|access-date=2015-01-19|archive-date=2018-08-16|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180816055906/http://mmadecisions.com/decision/5921/Donald-Cerrone-vs-Benson-Henderson|url-status=dead}}</ref>

====Switching weight classes====

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 (fighter)|Stephen Thompson]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.mmafighting.com/2015/2/1/7958787/benson-henderson-moves-up-to-welterweight-faces-brandon-thatch-in-ufn|title=Benson Henderson moves up to welterweight, faces Brandon Thatch in UFC 60 main event |publisher=mmafighting.com|author=Marc Raimondi|date=2015-02-01|access-date=2015-02-01}}</ref> Henderson won the back and forth fight via submission in the fourth round.

A bout with [[Michael Johnson (fighter)|Michael Johnson]] was initially linked as the event headliner for [[The Ultimate Fighter: American Top Team vs. Blackzilians#The Ultimate Fighter 21 Finale|The Ultimate Fighter 21 Finale]] on July 12, 2015.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://mmajunkie.com/2015/04/benson-henderson-vs-michael-johnson-targeted-for-tuf-21-finale-on-july-12|title=Benson Henderson vs. Michael Johnson targeted for TUF 21 Finale on July 12|author=Staff|publisher=mmajunkie.com|date=2015-04-20|access-date=2015-04-20}}</ref> Although never officially announced by the UFC, the bout between Henderson and Johnson will not take place at this event.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.mmafighting.com/2015/5/15/8612141/benson-henderson-vs-michael-johnson-off-tuf-21-finale-card|title=Benson Henderson vs. Michael Johnson off TUF 21 Finale card|publisher=mmafighting.com|author=Ariel Helwani|date=2015-05-15|access-date=2015-05-15}}</ref> 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]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.foxsports.com/ufc/story/benson-henderson-plans-to-remake-his-body-move-to-welterweight-permanently-052915|title=Benson Henderson plans to remake his body, move to welterweight permanently|work=foxsports.com|author=Elais Cepeda|date=2015-05-29|access-date=2015-05-29}}</ref>

Henderson was expected to face [[Thiago Alves (fighter)|Thiago Alves]] on November 28, 2015, at [[UFC Fight Night 79]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.mmafighting.com/2015/8/20/9182095/benson-henderson-vs-thiago-alves-targeted-for-main-event-of-ufcs|title=Benson Henderson vs. Thiago Alves targeted for main event of UFC's South Korean debut|publisher=mmafighting.com|author=Ariel Helwani|date=2015-08-20|access-date=2015-08-20}}</ref> However, on November 14, 2015, Alves pulled out the bout citing injury and was replaced by [[Jorge Masvidal]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.mmafighting.com/2015/11/14/9734426/jorge-masvidal-in-for-injured-thiago-alves-vs-ben-henderson-at-ufc|title=Jorge Masvidal in for injured Thiago Alves vs. Ben Henderson at UFC Fight Night 79|publisher=mmafighting.com|author=Guilherme Cruz|date=2015-11-14|access-date=2015-11-14}}</ref> Henderson won the back-and-forth fight via split decision.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://mmajunkie.com/2015/11/ufc-fight-night-79-benson-henderson-beats-jorge-masvidal-in-high-level-5-rounder|title=UFC Fight Night 79 results: Benson Henderson beats Jorge Masvidal in high-level 5-rounder|publisher=mmajunkie.com|author=Steven Marrocco|date=2015-11-28|access-date=2015-11-28}}</ref>

===Bellator MMA===

On February 1, 2016, Henderson announced that he had signed with [[Bellator MMA]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.smoothbensonhenderson.com/blog/the-move|title=The Move: I'd like to officially announce my move over to Bellator MMA|publisher=smoothbensonhenderson.com|date=2016-02-01}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://mmajunkie.com/2016/02/former-ufc-champ-benson-henderson-announces-hes-signed-with-bellator|title=Former UFC champ Benson Henderson announces he's signed with Bellator|publisher=mmajunkie.com|date=2016-02-01}}</ref> In his debut, he faced [[Andrey Koreshkov]] on April 22, 2016, at [[Bellator MMA in 2016#Bellator 153|Bellator 153]] for the [[List of Bellator champions#Welterweight Championship|Bellator Welterweight Championship]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.mmafighting.com/2016/2/2/10894546/benson-henderson-challenges-for-welterweight-title-against-andrey|title=Benson Henderson challenges for welterweight title against Andrey Koreshkov in Bellator debut|publisher=mmafighting.com|author=Shaun Al-Shatti|date=2016-02-02|access-date=2016-02-02}}</ref> Henderson lost the fight by unanimous decision.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/mma/story/_/id/15306517/andrey-koreshkov-defeats-benson-henderson-bellator-153|title=Andrey Koreshkov dominates Benson Henderson at Bellator 153|date=April 23, 2016|work=[[ESPN]]|author=Eric Tamiso}}</ref>

====Title contention and title shot====
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 MMA in 2016#Bellator 160|Bellator 160]] on August 26, 2016.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.mmaweekly.com/patricio-pitbull-freire-faces-benson-henderson-in-top-contender-bout-at-bellator-160|title=Patricio 'Pitbull' Freire faces Benson Henderson in top-contender bout at Bellator 160|date=July 17, 2016|publisher=mmaweekly.com}}</ref> 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]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://mmajunkie.usatoday.com/2016/08/bellator-160-video-stream-and-live-results-2|title=Bellator 160 results: Benson Henderson stops Patricio Freire by injury, battles Chandler for title in November|date=August 27, 2016|work=[[MMAjunkie.com]]|author=Brent Brookhouse}}</ref> 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 [[List of Bellator champions#Lightweight Championship|Bellator Lightweight Championship]] on November 19, 2016, at [[Bellator MMA in 2016#Bellator 165|Bellator 165]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.mmamania.com/2016/8/31/12732816/clash-lightweight-titans-benson-henderson-vs-michael-chandler-bellator-163-mma|title=Ben Henderson vs Michael Chandler lightweight title fight set for Bellator 163 on Nov. 19|date=31 August 2016}}</ref> Henderson lost the back-and-forth bout via split decision.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://mmajunkie.usatoday.com/2016/11/bellator-165-live-video-stream-and-official-results-7-p-m-et-1|title=Bellator 165 results: Michael Chandler edges Benson Henderson to retain lightweight title|date=November 19, 2016|work=[[MMAjunkie.com]]|author=Christian Stein}}</ref>

====Post-title shot reign====
Henderson faced [[Patricky Pitbull]] at [[Bellator MMA in 2017#Bellator 183|Bellator 183]] on September 23, 2017.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://mmajunkie.com/2017/06/bellator-183-benson-henderson-returns-roy-nelson-debuts|title=Benson Henderson's return, Roy Nelson's debut at Bellator 183; Bellator 181 gets new headliner|publisher=mmajunkie.com|author=Staff|date=June 24, 2017}}</ref> He lost the fight via split decision.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://bleacherreport.com/articles/2734812-bellator-183-results-benson-henderson-loses-split-decision-to-patricky-freire|title=Bellator 183 Results: Benson Henderson Loses Split Decision to Patricky Freire|date=September 24, 2017|work=[[Bleacher Report]]|author=David McCracken}}</ref>

Henderson faced returning Bellator veteran [[Roger Huerta]] in the main event at [[Bellator MMA in 2018#Bellator 196|Bellator 196]] on April 6, 2018.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.bellator.com/events/ih4606/bellator-196-henderson-vs-huerta|title=Bellator 196: Henderson vs. Huerta|date=2018-04-06|website=bellator.com|access-date=2018-04-07|archive-date=2019-03-23|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190323181736/http://www.bellator.com/events/ih4606/bellator-196-henderson-vs-huerta|url-status=dead}}</ref> He won the fight via submission in the second round.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.mmafighting.com/2018/4/6/17208734/bellator-196-results-benson-henderson-submits-roger-huerta-in-the-second-round|title=Bellator 196 Results: Benson Henderson submits Roger Huerta in the second round |date=April 6, 2018|publisher=mmafighting.com|author=Jed Meshew}}</ref>

Henderson faced [[Saad Awad]] at [[Bellator MMA in 2018#Bellator 208|Bellator 208]] on October 13, 2018.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://mmajunkie.com/2018/08/benson-henderson-vs-saad-awad-tapped-for-bellator-208|title=Benson Henderson vs. Saad Awad tapped for Bellator 208|author=Steven Marrocco|date=August 14, 2018|publisher=mmajunkie.com}}</ref> He won the fight by unanimous decision.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://mmajunkie.usatoday.com/2018/10/bellator-208-results-vintage-benson-henderson-outpaces-saad-awad-for-decision|title=Bellator 208 results: Vintage Benson Henderson outpaces Saad Awad for decision|date=October 13, 2018|work=[[MMAjunkie.com]]|author=Mike Bohn}}</ref>

In November 2018, Bellator officials revealed that Henderson had signed a new exclusive, long-term contract with Bellator.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://mmajunkie.com/2018/11/benson-henderson-signs-new-bellator-deal|title=After fighting out contract, Benson Henderson signs new deal with Bellator|author=John Morgan|publisher=mmajunkie.com|date=November 13, 2018}}</ref>

Henderson next faced [[Adam Piccolotti]] at [[Bellator MMA in 2019#Bellator 220|Bellator 220]] on April 27, 2019.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.mmafighting.com/2019/1/23/18193767/rory-macdonald-vs-jon-fitch-title-fight-bellator-grand-prix-first-round-slated-for-april|title=Rory MacDonald vs. Jon Fitch title fight, Bellator grand prix first round slated for April|author=Marc Raimondi|date=January 23, 2019|publisher=mmafighting.com}}</ref> He won the fight via split decision.<ref>{{Cite web|date=2019-04-28|title=Bellator 220 results: After close calls, Benson Henderson wins split over Adam Piccolotti|url=https://mmajunkie.usatoday.com/2019/04/bellator-220-results-after-close-calls-benson-henderson-wins-split-adam-piccolotti|access-date=2022-01-23|website=MMA Junkie|language=en-US}}</ref> 8 out of 9 media scores gave it to Piccolotti.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Benson Henderson def. Adam Piccolotti :: Bellator 220 :: MMA Decisions|url=http://www.mmadecisions.com/decision/9990/Benson-Henderson-vs-Adam-Piccolotti|access-date=2022-01-23|website=www.mmadecisions.com}}</ref>

Henderson faced Bellator newcomer [[Myles Jury]] in the headliner of [[Bellator MMA in 2019#Bellator 227|Bellator 227]] on September 27, 2019.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.mmafighting.com/platform/amp/2019/7/22/20704265/benson-henderson-to-meet-myles-jury-in-bellator-dublin-headliner|work=MMAFighting.com|title=Benson Henderson to meet Myles Jury in Bellator 227 headliner|date=July 22, 2019}}</ref> He won the fight by unanimous decision.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://mmajunkie.usatoday.com/2019/09/bellator-dublin-benson-henderson-unanimous-decision-myles-jury|title=Bellator Dublin results: Benson Henderson earns unanimous decision over Myles Jury|date=September 27, 2019|work=[[MMAjunkie.com]]|author=Simon Head}}</ref>

On October 25, 2019, it was announced that Henderson would next rematch [[Michael Chandler]] at [[Bellator MMA in 2019#Bellator & Rizin: Japan|Bellator & Rizin: Japan]] on December 29, 2019.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.sherdog.com/news/news/Michael-ChandlerBenson-Henderson-Rematch-Set-for-Bellator-Japan-164501|title=Michael Chandler-Benson Henderson Rematch Set for Bellator Japan|date=October 25, 2019|publisher=sherdog.com|author=Jay Pettry}}</ref> However, Henderson was forced to withdraw from the bout citing an injury and was replaced by Sidney Outlaw.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.mmafighting.com/2019/12/5/20996626/benson-henderson-out-of-bellator-japan-michael-chandler-to-face-sidney-outlaw|title=Benson Henderson out of Bellator Japan, Michael Chandler to face Sidney Outlaw|author=Alexander K. Lee|publisher=mmafighting.com|date=December 5, 2019}}</ref> The rematch was rescheduled to take place at [[Bellator MMA in 2020#Bellator 244|Bellator 244]] on June 6, 2020.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Martin|first=Damon|date=2020-03-09|title=Michael Chandler vs. Benson Henderson 2 rebooked for Bellator event on June 6|url=https://www.mmafighting.com/2020/3/9/21171765/michael-chandler-vs-benson-henderson-2-rebooked-for-bellator-event-on-june-6|access-date=2020-07-24|website=MMA Fighting|language=en}}</ref> However, the event was postponed due to the [[COVID-19]] pandemic.<ref>{{Cite web|last=stevejuon|date=2020-04-21|title=Bellator 244: 'Chandler vs Henderson 2' on June 6 postponed due to coronavirus|url=https://www.mmamania.com/2020/4/21/21229994/bellator-244-chandler-vs-henderson-2-june-6-postponed-coronavirus-mma|access-date=2020-07-24|website=MMAmania.com|language=en}}</ref> The rematch eventually took place on August 7, 2020, at [[Bellator MMA in 2020#Bellator 243|Bellator 243]].<ref>{{Cite web|date=2020-07-23|title=Michael Chandler vs. Benson Henderson 2, Matt Mitrione vs. Tim Johnson set for Bellator 243|url=https://mmajunkie.usatoday.com/2020/07/michael-chandler-vs-benson-henderson-2-matt-mitrione-vs-tim-johnson-set-for-bellator-243|access-date=2020-07-24|website=MMA Junkie|language=en}}</ref> Henderson lost the fight via knockout in the first round.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Newswire|first=MMA Fighting|date=2020-08-07|title=Bellator 243 Results: Chandler vs. Henderson 2|url=https://www.mmafighting.com/2020/8/7/21358078/bellator-243-results-chandler-vs-henderson-2|access-date=2020-08-08|website=MMA Fighting|language=en}}</ref>

Henderson then moved up to Welterweight to face [[Jason Jackson (fighter)|Jason Jackson]] on November 28, 2020, at [[Bellator MMA in 2020#Bellator 253|Bellator 253]]. Jackson controlled a majority of the fight, winning via unanimous decision in an upset victory.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Newswire|first=MMA Fighting|date=2020-11-19|title=Bellator 253 Results: Caldwell vs. McKee|url=https://www.mmafighting.com/2020/11/19/21573872/bellator-253-results-caldwell-vs-mckee|access-date=2021-06-22|website=MMA Fighting|language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title=Jason Jackson's MMA Odds History {{!}} Best Fight Odds|url=https://www.bestfightodds.com/fighters/Jason-Jackson-5834|access-date=2021-06-22|website=www.bestfightodds.com|language=en}}</ref>

Henderson faced [[Brent Primus]] on October 16, 2021, at [[Bellator 268]].<ref>{{Cite web|date=2021-09-09|title=Benson Henderson, Brent Primus set to face off at Bellator 268|url=https://mmajunkie.usatoday.com/2021/09/bellator-268-adds-benson-henderson-vs-brent-primus|access-date=2021-09-09|website=MMA Junkie|language=en-US}}</ref> He lost the fight via unanimous decision.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Bellator 268 results: Brent Primus spoils Benson Henderson homecoming, calls for title opportunity|url=https://sports.yahoo.com/bellator-268-results-brent-primus-032128384.html|access-date=2021-10-17|website=sports.yahoo.com|date=17 October 2021 |language=en-US}}</ref>

Henderson faced Islam Mamedov on January 29, 2022, at [[Bellator 273]].<ref>{{Cite web|last=Heck|first=Mike|date=2021-12-28|title=Benson Henderson vs. Islam Mamedov, return of 'Big Tuna' among additions to Bellator 273 fight card|url=https://www.mmafighting.com/2021/12/28/22857122/draft-benson-henderson-vs-islam-mamedov-return-of-big-tuna-among-additions-bellator-273-fight-card|access-date=2021-12-28|website=MMA Fighting|language=en}}</ref> 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.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Anderson|first=Jay|date=2022-01-29|title=Bellator 273: Benson Henderson First to Beat Islam Mamedov Since 2009|url=https://cagesidepress.com/2022/01/29/bellator-273-benson-henderson-vs-islam-mamedov/|access-date=2022-01-30|website=Cageside Press|language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.mmafighting.com/2022/1/30/22908729/benson-henderson-unsure-about-mma-future-after-finishing-contract-with-bellator-273-win|title=Benson Henderson unsure about MMA future after finishing contract with Bellator 273 win|date=January 30, 2022|publisher=mmafighting.com|author=Shaun Al-Shatti}}</ref>

On March 23, 2022, it was announced that Henderson had signed a new multi-fight contract with Bellator.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2022-03-23 |title=Benson Henderson signs new contract to stay with Bellator |url=https://mmajunkie.usatoday.com/2022/03/bellator-news-benson-henderson-new-contract-free-agent-mma |access-date=2022-03-23 |website=MMA Junkie |language=en-US}}</ref>

Henderson faced [[Peter Queally (fighter)|Peter Queally]] on September 23, 2022, at [[Bellator 285]].<ref>{{Cite web |date=2022-03-23 |title=Benson Henderson vs. Peter Queally added to Bellator Dublin card |url=https://mmajunkie.usatoday.com/2022/03/bellator-mma-news-benson-henderson-vs-peter-queally-added-to-bellator-dublin-card |access-date=2022-03-23 |website=MMA Junkie |language=en-US}}</ref> He won the fight by unanimous decision.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Anderson |first=Jay |date=2022-09-23 |title=Bellator 285: Benson Henderson Wins Smooth Decision Over Peter Queally |url=https://cagesidepress.com/2022/09/23/bellator-285-benson-henderson-vs-peter-queally/ |access-date=2022-09-24 |website=Cageside Press |language=en-US}}</ref>

==== Lightweight Grand Prix ====
Being announced as one of the participants of the $1 million [[2023 in Bellator MMA#Bellator Lightweight World Grand Prix Tournament|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]].<ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-01-11 |title=Bellator Lightweight World Grand Prix starts March 10 in San Jose |url=https://www.ocregister.com/2023/01/11/bellator-lightweight-world-grand-prix-starts-march-10-in-san-jose |access-date=2023-01-11 |website=Orange County Register |language=en-US}}</ref> He lost the fight via rear-naked choke submission in the first round, and subsequently announced his retirement during the post-fight interview.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Rush |first=Dylan |date=2023-03-11 |title=Bellator 292: Usman Nurmagomedov Submits Benson Henderson, Former UFC Champ Retires |url=https://cagesidepress.com/2023/03/11/bellator-292-usman-nurmagomedov-benson-henderson/ |access-date=2023-03-11 |website=Cageside Press |language=en-US}}</ref>

====Global Fight League====
On December 11, 2024, it was announced that Henderson was signed by [[Global Fight League]].<ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-12-11 |title=Global Fight League announces launch, roster includes giant list of former UFC fighters |url=https://mmajunkie.usatoday.com/2024/12/global-fight-league-launch-ufc-woodley-silva-werdum |access-date=2024-12-12 |website=MMA Junkie |language=en-US}}</ref>

==Professional grappling career==
Henderson competed against fellow MMA veteran [[Ben Saunders (fighter)|Ben Saunders]] in a superfight at UFC Fight Pass Invitational 1 on December 16, 2021, and won the match by unanimous decision.<ref>{{cite web |title=UFC Fight Pass Invitational 1 Full Results And Review |url=https://jitsmagazine.com/ufc-fight-pass-invitational-1-full-results-and-review/ |website=JitsMagazine |date=18 December 2021 |access-date=11 March 2023}}</ref> He then faced [[Demian Maia]] in the main event of [[Polaris Pro Grappling|Polaris]] 20 on June 25, 2022,<ref>{{cite web |last1=Lindsey |first1=Alex |title=Demian Maia v Benson Henderson To Headline Polaris 20 |url=https://jitsmagazine.com/demian-maia-v-benson-henderson-to-headline-polaris-20/ |website=JitsMagazine |date=24 May 2022 |access-date=11 March 2023}}</ref> losing the match by unanimous decision.<ref>{{cite web |title=Polaris 20 Full Results And Review |url=https://jitsmagazine.com/polaris-20-full-results-and-review/ |website=JitsMagazine |date=28 June 2022 |access-date=11 March 2023}}</ref>

Henderson entered the ADCC Arizona Open on August 5, 2023, and went 3–1 in the 83&nbsp;kg division.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Rogers |first1=Kian |title=Benson Henderson Goes 3-1 At ADCC Arizona Open 2023 |url=https://jitsmagazine.com/benson-henderson-goes-3-1-at-adcc-arizona-open-2023/ |website=Jitsmagazine |date=6 August 2023 |access-date=6 August 2023}}</ref>

Henderson competed in a welterweight no gi match against [[Neiman Gracie]] as the main event of ADXC 1 on October 20, 2023.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Lindsey |first1=Alex |title=Benson Henderson Faces Neiman Gracie In ADXC 1 Main Event |url=https://jitsmagazine.com/benson-henderson-faces-neiman-gracie-in-adxc-1-main-event/ |website=Jitsmagazine |date=17 September 2023 |access-date=17 September 2023}}</ref> He lost the match by submission.<ref>{{cite web |title=ADXC 1 Full Results And Review |url=https://jitsmagazine.com/adxc-1-full-results-and-review/ |website=Jitsmagazine |date=21 October 2023 |access-date=21 October 2023}}</ref>

== Boxing career ==

=== Stake Pro Tournament ===
On August 20, 2024 it was announced that Henderson would make his [[Professional boxing|professional boxing debut]] in a tournament hosted by [[Stake (online casino)|Stake]] on [[Elle Brooke vs Jenny Savage|MF & DAZN: X Series 18 – Stake Pro Tournament Card]] on September 14 at the [[Vertu Motors Arena]] in [[Newcastle upon Tyne]], England. His first opponent in the semifinals was American [[Mixed martial arts|mixed martial artist]] Chris Avila with English [[professional boxer]] Idris Virgo vs English [[influencer]] Fes Batista in the other bracket.<ref name=":5">{{Cite web |last=Martin |first=Damon |date=20 August 2024 |title=Benson Henderson vs. Chris Avila booked for 1-night tournament at Misfits Boxing 18 |url=https://www.mmafighting.com/2024/8/20/24224608/benson-henderson-vs-chris-avila-booked-for-boxing-match-in-1-night-tournament-misfits-event-sept-14 |website=[[MMA Fighting]]}}</ref> Henderson defeated Avila by unanimous decision and advanced to the finals, where he faced Idris Virgo in the co-main event.<ref name="misfits">{{Cite web|url=https://www.mmafighting.com/2024/9/14/24244770/benson-henderson-comes-up-just-short-to-idris-virgo-at-misfits-boxing-18|title=Benson Henderson comes up just short to Idris Virgo at Misfits Boxing 18|publisher=mmafighting.com|author=Bryan Tucker|date=2024-09-14|access-date=2024-09-14}}</ref> Henderson was defeated by Virgo by unanimous decision.<ref name="misfits"/>

== Personal life ==
Henderson is a Christian and often refers to his faith in post-fight interviews.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://christianpost.com/news/ben-henderson-praises-christ-after-ufc-lightweight-title-win-70347/|title=Ben Henderson Praises Christ After UFC Lightweight Title Win|publisher=christianpost|date=February 27, 2012}}</ref> He is also a teetotaler, having never consumed alcohol or drugs in his life.<ref>{{cite web|last=Curreri|first=Frank|title=The Benson Henderson Diet|website=[[UFC]]|date=22 November 2012|url=http://www.ufc.com/news/The-Benson-Henderson-Diet|access-date=1 November 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170813054804/http://www.ufc.com/news/The-Benson-Henderson-Diet|archive-date=13 August 2017}}</ref>

Henderson has three sons and a daughter with his wife, Maria.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.instagram.com/p/BxkzbB2Alhg/ |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/iarchive/instagram/maria.hendersonmma/2045986288510851168 |archive-date=2021-12-23 |url-access=subscription|title=My boys. @kyung_henderson @kub_henderson @koah_henderson|author=Maria Henderson|date=May 17, 2019|website=instagram.com}}{{cbignore}}</ref> Henderson proposed to his fiancée in the Octagon after his win over Gilbert Melendez at [[UFC on Fox 7]].<ref>{{cite news|url=http://mmajunkie.com/2013/04/ufc-on-fox-7-video-benson-henderson-proposes-in-octagon-after-title-win/|title=UFC on FOX 7 video: Benson Henderson proposes in octagon after title win|publisher=MMAjunkie.com|date=April 21, 2013}}</ref>


==Championships and accomplishments==
==Championships and accomplishments==

*Brazilian Jiu Jitsu
===Mixed martial arts===
**1st Place, Middle Purple, Arizona Grappling Challenge, October, 2008<ref>http://azgrappling.strongvon.com/sv/html/tournament/Tournament_69/azgrappling2008_adult.pdf</ref>
*'''[[Ultimate Fighting Championship]]'''
*Wrestling
**[[File:Generic_belt_icon.svg|20x20px]] [[UFC Lightweight Championship]] (One time; former)
**NAIA Collegiate All American (2 times)<ref name="wec01" />
*** Three successful title defenses
*World Extreme Cagefighting
**Tied with [[B.J. Penn]], [[Frankie Edgar]], [[Islam Makhachev]] and [[Khabib Nurmagomedov]] for the most consecutive Lightweight title defenses in UFC history - (3)
**Interim WEC Lightweight Champion (1 time)
**[[File:Generic_belt_icon.svg|20x20px]] Unified the UFC Lightweight and [[List of Strikeforce champions|Strikeforce Lightweight Championships]]
**WEC Lightweight Champion (1 time)
**[[List of UFC bonus award recipients|Fight of the Night]] (Three times) {{small|vs. [[Clay Guida]], [[Frankie Edgar]] and [[Brandon Thatch]]}}<ref name=fox1b /><ref name=ufc144b /><ref name=ufn60b>{{cite web|url=http://mmajunkie.com/2015/02/ufc-fight-night-60-bonuses-neil-magny-got-his-first-50000-who-joined-him|title=UFC Fight Night 60 bonuses: Neil Magny got his first $50,000. Who joined him?|author=Staff|publisher=mmajunkie.com|date=2015-02-15|access-date=2015-02-15}}</ref>
**Fight of the Night (2 time)
**[[List of UFC bonus award recipients|Performance of the Night]] (One time) {{small|vs. [[Rustam Khabilov]]}}<ref name=ufn42b />
**Submission of the Night ([[WEC 48]] against [[Donald Cerrone]])
**'''UFC.com Awards'''
*Sherdog
***2011: Ranked #2 Import of the Year<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.ufc.com/news/ten-best-2011-import-year|title=Ten Best - 2011 Import of the Year|date=January 2, 2012|author=Thomas Gerbasi|work=[[Ultimate Fighting Championship]]}}</ref>, Ranked #5 Fighter of the Year<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.ufc.com/news/ten-best-2011-fighter-year|title=Ten Best - 2011 Fighter of the Year|date=January 9, 2012|author=Thomas Gerbasi|work=[[Ultimate Fighting Championship]]}}</ref> & Ranked #3 Fight of the Year {{small|vs. [[Clay Guida]]}}<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.ufc.com/news/ten-best-2011-fight-year|title=Ten Best - 2011 Fight of the Year|date=January 8, 2012|author=Thomas Gerbasi|work=[[Ultimate Fighting Championship]]}}</ref>
**2009 Fight of the Year
***2012: Fighter of the Year<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.ufc.com/news/ten-best-2012-fighters-year|title=Ten Best - 2012 Fighters of the Year|author=Thomas Gerbasi|date=January 8, 2013|work=[[Ultimate Fighting Championship]]}}</ref> & Ranked #4 Fight of the Year {{small|vs. [[Frankie Edgar]] 1}}<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.ufc.com/news/ten-best-2012-fights-year|title=Ten Best - 2012 Fights of the Year|author=Thomas Gerbasi|date=January 7, 2013|work=[[Ultimate Fighting Championship]]}}</ref>
*'''[[World Extreme Cagefighting]]'''
**[[File:Generic_belt_icon.svg|20x20px]] [[List of WEC champions#Lightweight Championship|WEC Lightweight Championship]] (One time; former)
*** One successful title defense
**[[File:Generic_belt_icon.svg|20x20px]] Interim [[List of WEC champions#Lightweight Championship|WEC Lightweight Championship]] (One time; former)
**[[List of WEC bonus award recipients|Fight of the Night]] (Two times) {{small|vs. [[Donald Cerrone]] and [[Anthony Pettis]]}}<ref name=wec43b /><ref name=wec53b />
**[[List of WEC bonus award recipients|Submission of the Night]] (One time) {{small|vs. [[Donald Cerrone]]}}<ref name=wec48b />
*'''[[ESPN]]'''
**2012 Fighter of the Year<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/mma/story/_/id/8763491/2012-mma-awards|title=Experts' picks: 2012 MMA awards|work=[[ESPN]]|date=19 December 2012}}</ref>
**2012 Fight of the Year<small> vs. Frankie Edgar at [[UFC 144]]</small><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/blog/mma/post/_/id/15870/2012-fight-of-the-year-henderson-edgar-i|title=2012 fight of the year: Henderson-Edgar I|work=ESPN.com|date=3 January 2013|access-date=14 June 2015}}</ref>
**2015 Best Fight of the Half-Year <small>vs. Brandon Thatch</small><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/mma/story/_/id/13191864/henderson-thatch|title=Fight of the midyear: Henderson-Thatch|author=Brett Okamoto|work=ESPN|date=2015-07-03}}</ref>
*'''[[Inside MMA]]'''
**2012 Fighter of the Year Bazzie Award<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-YxBrlEI2ZA |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140522182742/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-YxBrlEI2ZA |archive-date=2014-05-22 |url-status=dead|title=2012 Bazzie Awards|work=youtube.com}}</ref>
*'''MMAWeekly.com'''
**2012 Fighter of the Year<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.mmaweekly.com/benson-henderson-mmaweekly-coms-2012-fighter-of-the-year|title=Benson Henderson: MMAWeekly.com's 2012 Fighter of the Year|work=MMAWeekly.com}}</ref>
*'''FightMatrix.com'''
**2012 Fighter of the Year<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.fightmatrix.com/fightmatrix-awards/|title=FightMatrix MMA Awards|work=FightMatrix.com}}</ref>
*'''MMAFighting.com'''
**2010 Fight of the Year <small>vs. Anthony Pettis on December 16</small><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.mmafighting.com/2010/12/27/fight-of-the-year-anthony-pettis-vs-ben-henderson|title=Fight of the Year: Anthony Pettis vs. Benson Henderson|work=MMAFighting.com|date=27 December 2010}}</ref>
**2009 Fight of the Year <small>vs. Donald Cerrone on October 10</small><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.mmafighting.com/2009/12/29/fight-of-the-year-ben-henderson-vs-donald-cerrone|title=Fight of the Year: Benson Henderson vs. Donald Cerrone|work=MMAFighting.com|date=29 December 2009}}</ref>
*'''[[USA Today]]'''
**2010 Fight of the Year <small>vs. Anthony Pettis on December 16</small><ref>{{cite news|url=http://usatoday30.usatoday.com/sports/mma/post/2010/12/usa-today-2010-mma-awards-new-faces-appear/1|title=USA TODAY 2010 MMA Awards: New faces appear|work=USAToday.com | date=December 23, 2010}}</ref>
*'''[[Sports Illustrated]]'''
**2009 Fight of the Year <small>vs. Donald Cerrone on October 10</small><ref>{{cite news|url=http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/writers/josh_gross/12/28/mma.awards/index.html|archive-url=https://archive.today/20100924081034/http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/writers/josh_gross/12/28/mma.awards/index.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=September 24, 2010|title=SI.com's 2009 MMA Awards|work=sportsillustrated.cnn.com | date=December 28, 2009}}</ref>
*'''[[Sherdog]]'''
**[[Sherdog#Fighter of the Year|2012 Fighter of the Year]]<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.sherdog.com/news/articles/Sherdogcoms-2012-Fighter-of-the-Year-48719|title=SHERDOG.COM'S 2012 FIGHTER OF THE YEAR|work=Sherdog.com}}</ref>
**[[Sherdog#Fight of the Year|2009 Fight of the Year]] <small>vs. Donald Cerrone on October 10</small><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.sherdog.com/news/articles/Sherdogs-Fight-of-the-Year-21996|title=SHERDOG.COM'S 2009 FIGHT OF THE YEAR|work=Sherdog.com}}</ref>

===Submission grappling===
*'''[[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<ref>{{cite web|url=http://static.ibjjfdb.com/Campeonato/000313/en-US/Results.pdf|title=World Jiu-Jitsu No-GI Championship 2014. Final Results|website=ibjjfdb.com|access-date=5 March 2024}}</ref>
*'''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===
*'''[[National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics]]'''
**[[National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics|NAIA]] [[All-American]] (2005, 2006)
*'''[[Washington Interscholastic Activities Association]]'''
**[[Washington Interscholastic Activities Association|WIAA]] 4A High School State Championship Runner-up (2001)
**[[Washington Interscholastic Activities Association|WIAA]] 4A All-State (2001)


==Mixed martial arts record==
==Mixed martial arts record==
<!-- ALL THE HIDDEN SPANS ARE FOR PROPER TABLE SORTING. PLEASE DO NOT EDIT THEM UNLESS YOU KNOW WHAT YOU'RE DOING. -->
{{MMArecordbox
{{MMArecordbox
| draws=
|wins=12
|losses=2
| nc=
|ko-wins=2
| ko-wins= 5
| sub-wins= 9
|ko-losses=0
|sub-wins=8
| dec-wins= 16
|sub-losses=1
| ko-losses= 2
| sub-losses= 3
|dec-wins=2
|dec-losses=1
| dec-losses= 7
| dq-wins=
| dq-losses=
| other-wins=
| other-losses=
}}
}}
{{MMA record start}}
{| style='font-size: 85%; text-align: left;' class='wikitable sortable' width='99%'
|-
|-
|{{no2}}Loss
!style='border-style: none none solid solid; background: #e3e3e3'|Result
|align=center|30–12
!style='border-style: none none solid solid; background: #e3e3e3'|Record
|[[Usman Nurmagomedov]]
!style='border-style: none none solid solid; background: #e3e3e3'|'''Opponent'''
|Submission (rear-naked choke)
!style='border-style: none none solid solid; background: #e3e3e3'|'''Method'''
|[[Bellator 292]]
!style='border-style: none none solid solid; background: #e3e3e3'|'''Event'''
|{{dts|2023|March|10}}
!style='border-style: none none solid solid; background: #e3e3e3'|'''Date'''
|align=center|1
!style='border-style: none none solid solid; background: #e3e3e3'|'''Round'''
|align=center|2:37
!style='border-style: none none solid solid; background: #e3e3e3'|'''Time'''
|[[San Jose, California]], United States
!style='border-style: none none solid solid; background: #e3e3e3'|'''Location'''
|{{small|[[2023 in Bellator MMA#Bellator Lightweight World Grand Prix Tournament|Bellator Lightweight World Grand Prix]] Quarterfinal. For the [[Bellator Lightweight World Championship]].}}
!style='border-style: none none solid solid; background: #e3e3e3'|'''Notes'''
|-
|-
|{{N/A}}
|{{yes2}}Win
|align=center| 30–11
|{{N/A}}
|[[Peter Queally (fighter)|Peter Queally]]
|{{flagicon|CAN}} [[Mark Bocek]]
|Decision (unanimous)
|{{N/A}}
|[[Bellator 285]]
|[[UFC 129|UFC 129: St-Pierre vs. Shields]]
|{{dts|link=off|2011|April|30}}
|{{dts|2022|September|23}}
|align=center| 5
|{{N/A}}
|align=center| 5:00
|{{N/A}}
|[[Dublin]], Ireland
|{{flagicon|CAN}} [[Toronto, Ontario]], [[Canada]]
|{{small|Henderson was deducted one point in round 2 due to a groin strike.}}
|-
|{{yes2}}Win
|align=center|29–11
|Islam Mamedov
|Decision (split)
|[[Bellator 273]]
|{{dts|2022|January|29}}
|align=center|3
|align=center|5:00
|[[Phoenix, Arizona]], United States
|
|
|-
|-
|{{no2}}Loss
|{{no2}}Loss
|align=center|12-2
|align=center|28–11
|[[Brent Primus]]
|{{flagicon|USA}} [[Anthony Pettis]]
|Decision (Unanimous)
|Decision (unanimous)
|[[Bellator 268]]
|[[WEC 53|WEC 53: Henderson vs. Pettis]]
|{{dts|link=off|2010|December|16}}
|{{dts|2021|October|16}}
|align=center|5
|align=center|3
|align=center|5:00
|align=center|5:00
|{{flagicon|USA}} [[Glendale, Arizona]]
|[[Phoenix, Arizona]], United States
|
|<small>Lost [[WEC Lightweight Championship]]; Fight of the Night
|-
|-
|{{yes2}}Win
|{{no2}}Loss
|align=center|12-1
|align=center|28–10
|[[Jason Jackson (fighter)|Jason Jackson]]
|{{flagicon|USA}} [[Donald Cerrone]]
|Decision (unanimous)
|Submission (Guillotine Choke)
|[[2020 in Bellator MMA#Bellator 253|Bellator 253]]
|[[WEC 48|WEC 48: Aldo vs. Faber]]
|{{dts|link=off|2010|April|24}}
|{{dts|2020|November|19}}
|align=center|3
|align=center|5:00
|[[Uncasville, Connecticut]], United States
|{{small|Welterweight bout.}}
|-
|{{no2}}Loss
|align=center|28–9
|[[Michael Chandler]]
|KO (punches)
|[[2020 in Bellator MMA#Bellator 243|Bellator 243]]
|{{dts|2020|August|7}}
|align=center|1
|align=center|1
|align=center|1:57
|align=center|2:09
|[[Uncasville, Connecticut]], United States
|{{flagicon|USA}} [[Sacramento, California]]
|
|<small>Defended the [[List of WEC champions#Lightweight Championship|WEC Lightweight Championship]]; Submission of the Night
|-
|-
|{{yes2}}Win
|{{yes2}}Win
|align=center|11-1
|align=center|28–8
|[[Myles Jury]]
|{{flagicon|USA}} [[Jamie Varner]]
|Decision (unanimous)
|Submission (Guillotine Choke)
|[[2019 in Bellator MMA#Bellator Dublin/Bellator 227|Bellator 227]]
|[[WEC 46|WEC 46: Varner vs. Henderson]]
|{{dts|link=off|2010|January|10}}
|{{dts|2019|September|27|format=mdy}}
|align=center|3
|align=center|3
|align=center|2:41
|align=center|5:00
|[[Dublin]], Ireland
|{{flagicon|USA}} [[Sacramento, California]]
|
|<small>Won Undisputed [[List of WEC champions#Lightweight Championship|WEC Lightweight Championship]]
|-
|-
|{{yes2}}Win
|{{yes2}}Win
|align=center|10-1
|align=center|27–8
|[[Adam Piccolotti]]
|{{flagicon|USA}} [[Donald Cerrone]]
|Decision (Unanimous)
|Decision (split)
|[[2019 in Bellator MMA#Bellator 220|Bellator 220]]
|[[WEC 43|WEC 43: Cerrone vs. Henderson]]
|{{dts|link=off|2009|October|10}}
|{{dts|2019|April|27|format=mdy}}
|align=center|5
|align=center|3
|align=center|5:00
|align=center|5:00
|[[San Jose, California]], United States
|{{flagicon|USA}} [[San Antonio, Texas]]
|
|<small>Won the Interim [[List of WEC champions#Lightweight Championship|WEC Lightweight Championship]]; Fight of the Night
|-
|-
|{{yes2}}Win
|{{yes2}}Win
|align=center|9-1
|align=center|26–8
|[[Saad Awad]]
|{{flagicon|USA}} [[Shane Roller]]
| Decision (unanimous)
|TKO (Punches)
|[[2018 in Bellator MMA#Bellator 208|Bellator 208]]
|[[WEC 40|WEC 40: Torres vs. Mizugaki]]
|{{dts|link=off|2009|April|5}}
|{{dts|2018|October|13|format=mdy}}
|align=center|1
|align=center|3
|align=center|1:41
|align=center|5:00
|[[Uniondale, New York]], United States
|{{flagicon|USA}} [[Chicago, Illinois]]
|
|
|-
|-
|{{yes2}}Win
|{{yes2}}Win
|align=center|8-1
|align=center|25–8
|[[Roger Huerta]]
|{{flagicon|Nigeria}} [[Anthony Njokuani]]
|Submission (Guillotine Choke)
| Submission (guillotine choke)
|[[2018 in Bellator MMA#Bellator 196|Bellator 196]]
|[[WEC 38|WEC 38: Varner vs. Cerrone]]
|{{dts|link=off|2009|January|25}}
|{{dts|2018|April|6|format=mdy}}
|align=center|2
|align=center|2
|align=center|0:42
|align=center|0:49
|[[Budapest]], Hungary
|{{flagicon|USA}} [[San Diego, California]]
|
|
|-
|-
|{{yes2}}Win
|{{no2}}Loss
|align=center|7-1
|align=center|24–8
|[[Patricky Pitbull]]
|{{flagicon|Brazil}} [[Diego Saraiva]]
|Decision (Unanimous)
| Decision (split)
|[[2017 in Bellator MMA#Bellator 183|Bellator 183]]
|EVO MMA
|{{dts|link=off|2008|October|4}}
|{{dts|2017|September|23|format=mdy}}
|align='center'|3
|align=center|3
|align='center'|5:00
|align=center|5:00
|[[San Jose, California]], United States
|{{flagicon|USA}} [[Phoenix, Arizona]]
|
|
|-
|{{no2}}Loss
|align=center|24–7
|[[Michael Chandler]]
| Decision (split)
|[[2016 in Bellator MMA#Bellator 165|Bellator 165]]
|{{dts|2016|November|19}}
|align=center|5
|align=center|5:00
|[[San Jose, California]], United States
|{{small|For the [[List of Bellator champions#Lightweight Championship|Bellator Lightweight World Championship]].}}
|-
|-
|{{yes2}}Win
|{{yes2}}Win
|align=center|6-1
|align=center|24–6
|[[Patrício Pitbull]]
|{{flagicon|USA}} [[Ricardo Tirlone]]
| TKO (leg injury)
|Submission (Guillotine Choke)
|[[2016 in Bellator MMA#Bellator 160|Bellator 160]]
|MFC 17: Hostile Takeover
|{{dts|link=off|2008|July|25}}
|{{dts|2016|August|26}}
|align='center'|2
|align=center|2
|align='center'|3:49
|align=center|2:26
|[[Anaheim, California]], United States
|{{flagicon|CAN}} [[Edmonton, Alberta]], [[Canada]]
|{{small|Return to Lightweight.}}
|
|-
|{{no2}}Loss
|align=center|23–6
|[[Andrey Koreshkov]]
|Decision (unanimous)
|[[Bellator 153]]
|{{dts|2016|April|22}}
|align=center|5
|align=center|5:00
|[[Uncasville, Connecticut]], United States
|{{small|For the [[List of Bellator champions#Welterweight Championship|Bellator Welterweight World Championship]].}}
|-
|-
|{{yes2}}Win
|{{yes2}}Win
|align=center|5-1
|align=center| 23–5
|[[Jorge Masvidal]]
|{{flagicon|Canada}} [[Mike Maestas]]
|Decision (split)
|Submission (Rear Naked Choke)
|[[UFC Fight Night: Henderson vs. Masvidal]]
|MFC 16: Anger Management
|{{dts|link=off|2008|May|9}}
|{{dts|2015|November|28}}
|align='center'|3
|align=center|5
|align='center'|4:11
|align=center|5:00
|[[Seoul]], South Korea
|{{flagicon|CAN}} [[Edmonton, Alberta]], [[Canada]]
|
|
|-
|-
|{{yes2}}Win
| {{yes2}}Win
|align=center|4-1
| align=center| 22–5
| [[Brandon Thatch]]
|{{flagicon|USA}} [[Brian Corley]]
|Submission (Rear Naked Choke)
| Submission (rear-naked choke)
| [[UFC Fight Night: Henderson vs. Thatch]]
|VFC 21: Infamous
|{{dts|link=off|2007|December|7}}
| {{dts|2015|February|14}}
|align='center'|N/A
| align=center| 4
|align='center'|N/A
| align=center| 3:58
| [[Broomfield, Colorado]], United States
|{{flagicon|USA}} [[Council Bluffs, Iowa]]
| {{small|Welterweight debut. Fight of the Night.}}
|-
| {{no2}}Loss
| align=center| 21–5
| [[Donald Cerrone]]
| Decision (unanimous)
| [[UFC Fight Night: McGregor vs. Siver]]
| {{dts|2015|January|18}}
| align=center| 3
| align=center| 5:00
| [[Boston, Massachusetts]], United States
|
|
|-
|-
|{{yes2}}Win
| {{no2}}Loss
|align=center|3-1
| align=center| 21–4
| [[Rafael dos Anjos]]
|{{flagicon|Canada}} [[David Dagloria]]
| KO (punch)
|Submission (Punches)
| [[UFC Fight Night: Henderson vs. dos Anjos]]
|UCE: Round 26: Episode 12
|{{dts|link=off|2007|June|23}}
| {{dts|2014|August|23}}
|align='center'|1
| align=center| 1
|align='center'|1:45
| align=center| 2:31
| [[Tulsa, Oklahoma]], United States
|{{flagicon|USA}} [[Ogden, Utah]]
|
|
|-
|-
|{{no2}}Loss
| {{yes2}}Win
|align=center|2-1
| align=center| 21–3
| [[Rustam Khabilov]]
|{{flagicon|USA}} Rocky Johnson
|Technical Submission (Anaconda Choke)
| Submission (rear-naked choke)
| [[UFC Fight Night: Henderson vs. Khabilov]]
|Battlequest 5 - Avalanche
|{{dts|link=off|2007|March|31}}
| {{dts|2014|June|7}}
|align='center'|1
| align=center| 4
|align='center'|0:46
| align=center| 1:16
| [[Albuquerque, New Mexico]], United States
|{{flagicon|USA}} [[Vail, Colorado]]
| {{small|Performance of the Night.}}
|-
| {{yes2}}Win
| align=center| 20–3
| [[Josh Thomson]]
| Decision (split)
| [[UFC on Fox: Henderson vs. Thomson]]
| {{dts|2014|January|25}}
| align=center| 5
| align=center| 5:00
| [[Chicago, Illinois]], United States
|
|
|-
|-
|{{yes2}}Win
| {{no2}}Loss
|align=center|2-0
| align=center| 19–3
| [[Anthony Pettis]]
|{{flagicon|USA}} [[Allen Williams]]
| Submission (armbar)
|TKO (Punches)
| [[UFC 164]]
|VFC 18: Hitmen
|{{dts|link=off|2007|February|16}}
| {{dts|2013|August|31}}
|align='center'|1
| align=center| 1
|align='center'|1:37
| align=center| 4:31
| [[Milwaukee, Wisconsin]], United States
|{{flagicon|USA}} [[Council Bluffs, Iowa]]
| {{small|Lost the [[UFC Lightweight Championship]].}}
|-
| {{yes2}}Win
| align=center| 19–2
| [[Gilbert Melendez]]
| Decision (split)
| [[UFC on Fox: Henderson vs. Melendez]]
| {{dts|2013|April|20}}
| align=center| 5
| align=center| 5:00
| [[San Jose, California]], United States
| {{small|Defended the [[UFC Lightweight Championship]].}}
|-
| {{yes2}}Win
| align=center| 18–2
| [[Nate Diaz]]
| Decision (unanimous)
| [[UFC on Fox: Henderson vs. Diaz]]
| {{dts|2012|December|8}}
| align=center| 5
| align=center| 5:00
| [[Seattle, Washington]], United States
| {{small|Defended the [[UFC Lightweight Championship]].}}
|-
| {{yes2}}Win
| align=center| 17–2
| [[Frankie Edgar]]
| Decision (split)
| [[UFC 150]]
| {{dts|2012|August|11}}
| align=center| 5
| align=center| 5:00
| [[Denver, Colorado]], United States
| {{small|Defended the [[UFC Lightweight Championship]].}}
|-
| {{yes2}}Win
| align=center| 16–2
| [[Frankie Edgar]]
| Decision (unanimous)
| [[UFC 144]]
| {{dts|2012|February|26}}
| align=center| 5
| align=center| 5:00
| [[Saitama, Saitama|Saitama]], Japan
| {{small|Won the [[UFC Lightweight Championship]]. Fight of the Night.}}
|-
| {{yes2}}Win
| align=center| 15–2
| [[Clay Guida]]
| Decision (unanimous)
| [[UFC on Fox: Velasquez vs. dos Santos]]
| {{dts|2011|November|12}}
| align=center| 3
| align=center| 5:00
| [[Anaheim, California]], United States
| {{small|[[List of UFC Champions#Lightweight Championship|UFC Lightweight]] title eliminator. Fight of the Night.}}
|-
| {{yes2}}Win
| align=center| 14–2
| [[Jim Miller (fighter)|Jim Miller]]
| Decision (unanimous)
| [[UFC Live: Hardy vs. Lytle]]
| {{dts|2011|August|14}}
| align=center| 3
| align=center| 5:00
| [[Milwaukee, Wisconsin]], United States
|
|
|-
|-
|{{yes2}}Win
| {{yes2}}Win
|align=center|1-0
| align=center| 13–2
|{{flagicon|USA}} [[Dan Gregary]]
| [[Mark Bocek]]
| Decision (unanimous)
|Submission (Punches)
| [[UFC 129]]
|MCF: Genesis
|{{dts|link=off|2006|November|18}}
| {{dts|2011|April|30}}
|align='center'|1
| align=center| 3
|align='center'|4:21
| align=center| 5:00
| [[Toronto]], [[Ontario]], Canada
|{{flagicon|USA}} [[North Platte, Nebraska]]
|
|
|-
|-
| {{no2}}Loss
| align=center| 12–2
| [[Anthony Pettis]]
| Decision (unanimous)
| [[WEC 53]]
| {{dts|2010|December|16}}
| align=center| 5
| align=center| 5:00
| [[Glendale, Arizona]], United States
| {{small|Lost the [[WEC Lightweight Championship]]. Fight of the Night.}}
|-
| {{yes2}}Win
| align=center| 12–1
| [[Donald Cerrone]]
| Submission (guillotine choke)
| [[WEC 48]]
| {{dts|2010|April|24}}
| align=center| 1
| align=center| 1:57
| [[Sacramento, California]], United States
| {{small|Defended the [[List of WEC champions#Lightweight Championship|WEC Lightweight Championship]]. Submission of the Night.}}
|-
| {{yes2}}Win
| align=center| 11–1
| [[Jamie Varner]]
| Submission (guillotine choke)
| [[WEC 46]]
| {{dts|2010|January|10}}
| align=center| 3
| align=center| 2:41
| [[Sacramento, California]], United States
| {{small|Won and unified the [[List of WEC champions#Lightweight Championship|WEC Lightweight Championship]].}}
|-
| {{yes2}}Win
| align=center| 10–1
| [[Donald Cerrone]]
| Decision (unanimous)
| [[WEC 43]]
| {{dts|2009|October|10}}
| align=center| 5
| align=center| 5:00
| [[San Antonio, Texas]], United States
| {{small|Won the interim [[List of WEC champions#Lightweight Championship|WEC Lightweight Championship]]. Fight of the Night.}}
|-
| {{yes2}}Win
| align=center| 9–1
| [[Shane Roller]]
| TKO (punches)
| [[WEC 40]]
| {{dts|2009|April|5}}
| align=center| 1
| align=center| 1:41
| [[Chicago, Illinois]], United States
|
|-
| {{yes2}}Win
| align=center| 8–1
| [[Anthony Njokuani]]
| Submission (guillotine choke)
| [[WEC 38]]
| {{dts|2009|January|25}}
| align=center| 2
| align=center| 0:42
| [[San Diego, California]], United States
|
|-
| {{yes2}}Win
| align=center| 7–1
| Diego Saraiva
| Decision (unanimous)
| Evolution MMA
| {{dts|2008|October|4}}
| align=center| 3
| align=center| 5:00
| [[Phoenix, Arizona]], United States
|
|-
| {{yes2}}Win
| align=center| 6–1
| [[Ricardo Tirloni]]
| Submission (guillotine choke)
| [[MFC 17|MFC 17: Hostile Takeover]]
| {{dts|2008|July|25}}
| align=center| 2
| align=center| 3:49
| [[Edmonton, Alberta]], Canada
|
|-
| {{yes2}}Win
| align=center| 5–1
| Mike Maestas
| Submission (rear-naked choke)
| [[2008 in Maximum Fighting Championship#MFC 16: Anger Management|MFC 16: Anger Management]]
| {{dts|2008|May|9}}
| align=center| 3
| align=center| 4:11
| [[Edmonton, Alberta]], Canada
|
|-
| {{yes2}}Win
| align=center| 4–1
| Bryan Corley
| Submission (rear-naked choke)
| Victory FC 21: Infamous
| {{dts|2007|December|7}}
| align=center| 1
| align=center| 2:36
| [[Council Bluffs, Iowa]], United States
|
|-
| {{yes2}}Win
| align=center| 3–1
| David Dagloria
| TKO (submission to punches)
| Ultimate Combat Experience: Round 26: Episode 12
| {{dts|2007|June|23}}
| align=center| 1
| align=center| 1:45
| [[Ogden, Utah]], United States
|
|-
| {{no2}}Loss
| align=center| 2–1
| Rocky Johnson
| Technical Submission (anaconda choke)
| Battlequest 5: Avalanche
| {{dts|2007|March|31}}
| align=center| 1
| align=center| 0:46
| [[Vail, Colorado]], United States
| {{small|Catchweight (160 lbs) bout.}}
|-
| {{yes2}}Win
| align=center| 2–0
| Allen Williams
| TKO (punches)
| Victory FC 18: Hitmen
| {{dts|2007|February|16}}
| align=center| 1
| align=center| 1:37
| [[Council Bluffs, Iowa]], United States
|
|-
| {{yes2}}Win
| align=center| 1–0
| Dan Gregary
| TKO (submission to punches)
| Midwest Championship Fighting: Genesis
| {{dts|2006|November|18}}
| align=center| 1
| align=center| 4:21
| [[North Platte, Nebraska]], United States
|
{{end}}

==Karate Combat record==
{{MMArecordbox
|draws=
|nc=
|ko-wins=
|ko-losses=
|sub-wins=
|sub-losses=
|dec-wins=
|dec-losses=1
|dq-wins=
|dq-losses=
}}
{{MMA record start}}
|-
|{{no2}}Loss
|align=center|0–1
|[[Anthony Pettis]]
|Decision (unanimous)
|[[Karate Combat]] 43
|{{dts|2023|December|15}}
|align=center|3
|align=center|3:00
|align=left|[[Las Vegas, Nevada]], United States
|
|}
|}

==Boxing record==
{{BoxingRecordSummary|draws=|nc=|ko-wins=|ko-losses=|dec-wins=1|dec-losses=1|dq-wins=|dq-losses=}}
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
!{{abbr|No.|Number}}
!Result
!Record
!Opponent
!Type
!Round, time
!Date
!Location
!Notes
|-
|2
|{{No2|Loss}}
|1–1
|Idris Virgo
|UD
|5
| rowspan="2" |[[Elle Brooke vs Jenny Savage|Sep 14, 2024]]
|style="text-align:left;" rowspan="2" |{{small|[[Vertu Motors Arena]], [[Newcastle upon Tyne]], England}}
|style="text-align:left;" |{{small|MF-Professional bout<br>Stake pro tournament final}}
|-
|1
|{{yes2}}Win
|1–0
| style="text-align:left;" |Chris Avila
|{{abbr|UD|Unanimous decision}}
|5
| style="text-align:left;" |{{small|MF-Professional bout<br>Stake pro tournament semifinal}}
|}

== Pay-per-view bouts ==
{| class="wikitable"
|+
!No.
!Event
!Fight
!Venue
!City
!PPV Buys
|-
|1.
|[[UFC 144]]
|'''Edgar vs. Henderson'''
|[[Saitama Super Arena]]
|[[Saitama (city)|Saitama, Japan]]
|375,000<ref>{{Cite web |title=UFC 144: Edgar vs. Henderson {{!}} MMA Event |url=https://www.tapology.com/fightcenter/events/11293-ufc-144 |access-date=2022-09-09 |website=Tapology |language=en}}</ref>
|-
|2.
|[[UFC 150]]
|'''Henderson vs. Edgar 2'''
|[[Pepsi Center]]
|[[Denver|Denver, Colorado]]
|190,000<ref>{{Cite web |title=UFC 150: Henderson vs. Edgar 2 {{!}} MMA Event |url=https://www.tapology.com/fightcenter/events/13684-ufc-150 |access-date=2022-09-09 |website=Tapology |language=en}}</ref>
|-
|3.
|[[UFC 164]]
|'''Henderson vs. Pettis 2'''
|[[BMO Harris Bradley Center]]
|[[Milwaukee|Milwaukee, Wisconsin]]
|270,000<ref>{{Cite web |title=UFC 164: Henderson vs. Pettis 2 {{!}} MMA Event |url=https://www.tapology.com/fightcenter/events/18192-ufc-164 |access-date=2022-09-09 |website=Tapology |language=en}}</ref>
|}

==See also==
* [[List of male mixed martial artists]]


==References==
==References==
{{Reflist|refs=
{{reflist}}
<ref name="ufcbio">
{{cite web
|title = Benson Henderson
|website = UFC.com
|url = http://www.ufc.com/fighter/Benson-Henderson
|access-date = February 9, 2016
|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20160121215917/http://www.ufc.com/fighter/Benson-Henderson
|archive-date = January 21, 2016
|url-status = live
}}
</ref>
}}


==External links==
==External links==
* {{Official website|http://www.smoothbensonhenderson.com}}
*[http://www.smoothben.tv Official Site]
* {{UFC|benson-henderson}}
*{{sherdog|id=20548}}
* {{Bellator|669}}
*[http://www.wec.tv/BenHenderson WEC profile]
* {{Sherdog|20548}}
* [http://mmaquotes.blogspot.ca/2013/05/ben-henderson-quotes.html Ben Henderson Quotes]


{{s-start}}
{{s-start}}
{{s-ach}}
{{s-new}}
{{s-new}}
{{s-ttl|title=1st [[List of WEC champions#Lightweight Championship|WEC Interim Lightweight Champion]] |years=October 10, 2009 - January 10, 2010}}
{{s-ttl|title=1st [[List of WEC champions#Lightweight Championship|WEC Interim Lightweight Champion]] |years=October 10, 2009 - January 10, 2010}}
Line 297: Line 838:
{{s-ttl|title= 6th [[List of WEC champions#Lightweight Championship|WEC Lightweight Champion]]|years=January 10, 2010 - December 16, 2010}}
{{s-ttl|title= 6th [[List of WEC champions#Lightweight Championship|WEC Lightweight Champion]]|years=January 10, 2010 - December 16, 2010}}
{{s-aft|after=[[Anthony Pettis]]}}
{{s-aft|after=[[Anthony Pettis]]}}
{{s-bef|before=[[Frankie Edgar]]}}
{{end}}
{{s-ttl|title=5th [[UFC Lightweight Championship|UFC Lightweight Champion]]|years=February 26, 2012 – August 31, 2013}}
{{S-aft|after=[[Anthony Pettis]]}}
{{End}}
{{UFC Lightweight Championship}}
{{WEC Lightweight Championship}}


{{WEC Championships}}

{{Persondata <!-- Metadata: see [[Wikipedia:Persondata]]. -->
| NAME = Henderson, Ben
| ALTERNATIVE NAMES =
| SHORT DESCRIPTION =
| DATE OF BIRTH = November 16, 1983
| PLACE OF BIRTH = [[Colorado Springs, Colorado]], [[United States|USA]]
| DATE OF DEATH =
| PLACE OF DEATH =
}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Henderson, Ben}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Henderson, Ben}}
[[Category:American mixed martial artists]]
[[Category:African-American mixed martial artists]]
[[Category:American male mixed martial artists]]
[[Category:American sportspeople of Korean descent]]
[[Category:American practitioners of Brazilian jiu-jitsu]]
[[Category:People awarded a black belt in Brazilian jiu-jitsu]]
[[Category:American male taekwondo practitioners]]
[[Category:American submission wrestlers]]
[[Category:American male sport wrestlers]]
[[Category:Amateur wrestlers]]
[[Category:Mixed martial artists from Colorado]]
[[Category:Mixed martial artists from Washington (state)]]
[[Category:Mixed martial artists from Washington (state)]]
[[Category:Lightweight mixed martial artists]]
[[Category:Lightweight mixed martial artists]]
[[Category:Mixed martial artists utilizing taekwondo]]
[[Category:Mixed martial artists utilizing collegiate wrestling]]
[[Category:Mixed martial artists utilizing Brazilian jiu-jitsu]]
[[Category:Ultimate Fighting Championship champions]]
[[Category:World Extreme Cagefighting champions]]
[[Category:World Extreme Cagefighting champions]]
[[Category:1983 births]]
[[Category:1983 births]]
[[Category:Living people]]
[[Category:Living people]]
[[Category:American practitioners of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu]]
[[Category:Sportspeople from Federal Way, Washington]]
[[Category:American taekwondo practitioners]]
[[Category:Sportspeople from Phoenix, Arizona]]
[[Category:American sportspeople of Korean descent]]
[[Category:Dana College alumni]]
[[Category:African-American mixed martial artists]]
[[Category:American Christians]]
[[Category:Bellator male fighters]]

[[Category:Ultimate Fighting Championship male fighters]]
[[ko:벤 헨더슨]]
[[Category:21st-century American sportsmen]]
[[ja:ベン・ヘンダーソン]]
[[Category:21st-century African-American sportsmen]]
[[pt:Ben Henderson]]

Latest revision as of 14:34, 27 December 2024

"Bendo" redirects here. For Australian tree, see Eucalyptus exserta.
Benson Henderson
Henderson in 2008
Born (1983-11-16) November 16, 1983 (age 41)
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
Other information
UniversityDana College
Notable school(s)Decatur High School
Mixed martial arts record from Sherdog

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.

A bout with Michael Johnson was initially linked as the event headliner for The Ultimate Fighter 21 Finale on July 12, 2015.[62] Although never officially announced by the UFC, the bout between Henderson and Johnson will not take place at this event.[63] 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.[64]

Henderson was expected to face Thiago Alves on November 28, 2015, at UFC Fight Night 79.[65] However, on November 14, 2015, Alves pulled out the bout citing injury and was replaced by Jorge Masvidal.[66] Henderson won the back-and-forth fight via split decision.[67]

Bellator MMA

[edit]

On February 1, 2016, Henderson announced that he had signed with Bellator MMA.[68][69] In his debut, he faced Andrey Koreshkov on April 22, 2016, at Bellator 153 for the Bellator Welterweight Championship.[70] Henderson lost the fight by unanimous decision.[71]

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.[72] 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.[73] 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.[74] Henderson lost the back-and-forth bout via split decision.[75]

Post-title shot reign

[edit]

Henderson faced Patricky Pitbull at Bellator 183 on September 23, 2017.[76] He lost the fight via split decision.[77]

Henderson faced returning Bellator veteran Roger Huerta in the main event at Bellator 196 on April 6, 2018.[78] He won the fight via submission in the second round.[79]

Henderson faced Saad Awad at Bellator 208 on October 13, 2018.[80] He won the fight by unanimous decision.[81]

In November 2018, Bellator officials revealed that Henderson had signed a new exclusive, long-term contract with Bellator.[82]

Henderson next faced Adam Piccolotti at Bellator 220 on April 27, 2019.[83] He won the fight via split decision.[84] 8 out of 9 media scores gave it to Piccolotti.[85]

Henderson faced Bellator newcomer Myles Jury in the headliner of Bellator 227 on September 27, 2019.[86] He won the fight by unanimous decision.[87]

On October 25, 2019, it was announced that Henderson would next rematch Michael Chandler at Bellator & Rizin: Japan on December 29, 2019.[88] However, Henderson was forced to withdraw from the bout citing an injury and was replaced by Sidney Outlaw.[89] The rematch was rescheduled to take place at Bellator 244 on June 6, 2020.[90] However, the event was postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic.[91] The rematch eventually took place on August 7, 2020, at Bellator 243.[92] Henderson lost the fight via knockout in the first round.[93]

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.[94][95]

Henderson faced Brent Primus on October 16, 2021, at Bellator 268.[96] He lost the fight via unanimous decision.[97]

Henderson faced Islam Mamedov on January 29, 2022, at Bellator 273.[98] 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.[99][100]

On March 23, 2022, it was announced that Henderson had signed a new multi-fight contract with Bellator.[101]

Henderson faced Peter Queally on September 23, 2022, at Bellator 285.[102] He won the fight by unanimous decision.[103]

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.[104] He lost the fight via rear-naked choke submission in the first round, and subsequently announced his retirement during the post-fight interview.[105]

Global Fight League

[edit]

On December 11, 2024, it was announced that Henderson was signed by Global Fight League.[106]

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.[107] He then faced Demian Maia in the main event of Polaris 20 on June 25, 2022,[108] losing the match by unanimous decision.[109]

Henderson entered the ADCC Arizona Open on August 5, 2023, and went 3–1 in the 83 kg division.[110]

Henderson competed in a welterweight no gi match against Neiman Gracie as the main event of ADXC 1 on October 20, 2023.[111] He lost the match by submission.[112]

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 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.[113] Henderson defeated Avila by unanimous decision and advanced to the finals, where he faced Idris Virgo in the co-main event.[114] Henderson was defeated by Virgo by unanimous decision.[114]

Personal life

[edit]

Henderson is a Christian and often refers to his faith in post-fight interviews.[115] He is also a teetotaler, having never consumed alcohol or drugs in his life.[116]

Henderson has three sons and a daughter with his wife, Maria.[117] Henderson proposed to his fiancée in the Octagon after his win over Gilbert Melendez at UFC on Fox 7.[118]

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[137]
  • 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[138]
2. UFC 150 Henderson vs. Edgar 2 Pepsi Center Denver, Colorado 190,000[139]
3. UFC 164 Henderson vs. Pettis 2 BMO Harris Bradley Center Milwaukee, Wisconsin 270,000[140]

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.
  43. ^ Mike Bohn (2013-06-04). "Benson Henderson vs. T.J. Grant lightweight title fight announced as UFC 164 headliner". mmamania.com. Retrieved 2013-06-04.
  44. ^ John Morgan (2013-07-12). "T.J. Grant injured, Anthony Pettis now meets champ Benson Henderson at UFC 164". mmajunkie.com. Retrieved 2013-07-12.
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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/enwiki/w/index.php?title=Benson_Henderson&oldid=1265562904"