Benson Henderson lost his UFC lightweight title in 2013, but is hardly done in the sport. He won two, picking up a Performance of the Night, but then lost to the very best in the division, Rafael Dos Anjos and Donald Cerrone. So Benson dropped to welterweight, winning the fight of the night vs. Brandon Thatch, and then beating Jorge Masvidal via split decision.
When his contract ended, he tested the waters, and has decided that Bellator was the better choice for him. He made the announcement on his blog. Showing his characteristic class, Benson thanked the league he was leaving, from top to bottom.
I’d be remiss to not thank Dana White and Lorenzo Fertita for the opportunities they presented me, you guys have helped me change my life for the better and to be able to provide my family with the things I didn’t have while growing up. For that I’ll always have the utmost appreciation. Thanks for all the advise you guys gave too, both business wise and personal.
And last but not least, to who it is I think of when I think of the UFC! Everybody behind the scenes who I personally dealt with every time I reported in or had to do something. Mayra, Melissa, Dave, Chris, Nick, Tracy, Joanie, Maura, Tony, Heidi, Ryan, James, Dave, Kaia (sp.???), Burt, Rob, Rudy, Stitch, House, Mike, Susie, Dean, Donna, Feryal, Sean, Joe, Brad, Jazzmine, Candice, Michelle, Reed, sorry I can’t name everyone or this list would go on for forever. There’s a whole ton of people behind the scenes who make that show what it is. You guys and girls are the ones who make that show great and allow us fighters to do what it is we love!!! Much love to you all and thanks for putting up with me for so long.
The respect was mutual. UFC president Dana White spoke with Brent Brookhouse for MMAjunkie, and offered nothing but praise and good wishes.
The truth is we made him an offer that would have paid him substantially more – like not even in the same ballpark – than he’s getting now if he were to become world champion again, but he chose their deal, which offered more up front, said White. He’s a former world champion who’s ranked No. 15 now. We’re looking for top-5 guys, guys that are going from 15 to 1, not the other way around.
But I’m honestly happy for Benson. I’m not angry. Who knows? This could be the last contract he ever signs. He got the right deal for him. He’s a great guy, and we wish him all the best.
Henderson’s fans will now have the opportunity to see how he does vs. Bellator’s best:
1. Andrey Koreshkov (champion)
2. Paul Daley
3. Douglas Lima
4. Adam McDonough
5. Fernando Gonzalez
Probably very well.
