Benson Henderson Smooth

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Fighter bio

Benson Henderson – General Profile

Benson “Smooth” Henderson is an American former professional mixed martial artist who primarily competed in the lightweight division. Born on November 16, 1983, in Colorado Springs, Colorado, Henderson is known for his versatile skill set, combining wrestling, Brazilian jiu-jitsu, and striking, which allowed him to compete at the highest levels of MMA.

MMA Career

Henderson began his professional MMA career in 2006. He initially gained recognition in World Extreme Cagefighting (WEC), where he became the WEC Lightweight Champion. After the WEC-UFC merger, he transitioned to the UFC, making his debut on April 30, 2011, with a unanimous decision win over Mark Bocek. In 2012, Henderson captured the UFC Lightweight Championship by defeating Frankie Edgar at UFC 144 and successfully defended the title multiple times against notable opponents including Gilbert Melendez and Frankie Edgar in a rematch. He later competed in Bellator MMA, concluding his career with his final fight on March 10, 2023. Over his professional career, Henderson compiled a record of 30 wins and 12 losses, with victories by knockout, submission, and decision.

Fighting Style

Henderson is recognized for his well-rounded fighting style, blending wrestling, Brazilian jiu-jitsu, and effective striking. A southpaw, he uses leg kicks, clinch work, and takedowns to control opponents. His submission skills on the ground, combined with superior cardio and fight IQ, allow him to adapt during fights and maintain pressure throughout all rounds. This versatility made him a dangerous competitor against a wide range of opponents.

Recent Developments

Henderson extended his career across multiple promotions, most notably in Bellator MMA, before retiring from professional competition in 2023. His career is marked by championship titles, successful title defenses, and longevity at the top levels of lightweight MMA.

Personal Life

Outside of competition, Henderson is respected for his discipline, work ethic, and dedication to training. He primarily trained at MMA Lab in Glendale, Arizona, and his versatile style combining wrestling, BJJ, and striking has influenced a generation of fighters. Even in retirement, Henderson’s name remains synonymous with the evolution of modern mixed martial arts.