Former UFC lightweight champion Benson Henderson shares when he plans on retiring from MMA
Benson Henderson has accomplished a great deal during his MMA career as he won both the UFC and WEC lightweight championships.
While speaking to the media ahead of his lightweight title shot against Usman Nurmagomedov at the lightweight Grand Prix this Friday at Bellator 292, Henderson spoke about his longevity and when he plans on retiring. He mentioned that winning the lightweight championship and the Grand Prix would be an ideal way to retire.
He said:
"For me, my end date is these last three fights and I'm done. I signed a four-fight contract with Bellator and say, 'Hey, after this, I'm done. No more.'" [3:43 - 3:50]
'Smooth' added that even if he defeats Nurmagomedov for the lightweight championship and defends it en route to a Grand Prix win, he would still stick to his plan of retiring at the end of his contract. He mentioned that he wouldn't be tempted to continue fighting, saying:
"It's worked out that way. Four fights left and then the Grand Prix, oh, well that works out pretty well doesn't it. That would be a dream come true but if you work your butt off, man you could live your dreams. ... At the end of these fights, I'm done." [4:51 - 5:23]
Henderson has an opportunity to add the Bellator lightweight championship to his collection of titles that he has won in major promotions and hand 'The Eagle's protege the first loss of his MMA career.
Check out the full video:
Benson Henderson reacts to Anthony Pettis boxing Roy Jones Jr.
🥊 Roy Jones Jr will make his return to professional boxing at the age of 54 when he takes on former UFC Lightweight champion Anthony Pettis on Apr. 1 in Milwaukee.
Pettis has most recently been competing in the PFL.
#BoxingNews #JonesJrPettis #Boxeo https://t.co/j6Xn81E6iM
Benson Henderson had a hilarious reaction when he found out that his former rival Anthony Pettis will be competing against boxing legend Roy Jones Jr. on April 1.
During his Bellator 292 pre-fight media availability, 'Smooth' was asked about whether he would follow a similar path to Pettis and compete in boxing bouts. He was shocked when finding out that 'Showtime' vs. 'Superman' will be taking place but complimented the MMA fighters for being able to maximize their earnings and popularity:
"[Pettis] He's boxing who? When is that? It's real? Holy... Good for all the guys. ... I never begrudge somebody making their money. So do whatever you wanna do to make money. If you wanna crack jokes and out on a persona and be outgoing... say outlandish things to make more money, God bless, do you, no problem." [12:24 - 12:54]
'Smooth' and Pettis fought twice during their careers, with their first encounter at WEC 53 being remembered for the famous 'Showtime Kick', which saw Pettis run off the cage and drop the WEC lightweight champion with a head kick. 'Showtime' had Henderson's number as he dethroned him twice as he defeated him at WEC 53 and then again at UFC 164.