In one of the biggest departures away from the Ultimate Fighting Championship since Dan Henderson signed with Strikeforce; another Henderson; Benson Henderson is leaving the hallowed octagon of the UFC to ply his fighting skills elsewhere.
Benson Henderson has anounced he is headed to Bellator MMA. The Former WEC and UFC lightweight champion has been testing the free agent market since his UFC contract ended after a split-decision win over Jorge Masvidal in November. The signing is a major coup for Bellator. Henderson is 23-5 and on a two-fight winning streak.
Henderson, at 32 years-old, still is in the prime of career and is a big name edition to the companies strongest division. Future Bouts against the likes of Will Brooks, Michael Chandler, and a re-match with Josh Thomson are sure to headline Bellator cards in the future.
The financials and bout numbers have not been made public, but a recent report had ROAD FC willing to offer Henderson upwards of “$200,000.” Bellator is likely to have offered a similar amount or more.
Here is Henderson’s statement on his signing (via http://www.smoothbensonhenderson.com/):
I’d like to officially announce my move over to Bellator MMA.
I’m beyond excited for this next phase of my career, it’s a big move, like any move when switching employers or jobs after having worked somewhere for such a long time.
I have to thank the BigMan upstairs for putting some amazing people in my life, my wife (first and foremost) and a lot of truly smart and insightful people behind the scenes who helped make the connections and negotiated this deal to bring it to fruition.
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.
To my fans, thanks for all the love and support, I’ll keep giving you my all, opening up my heart and soul inside that cage. I’m excited for this next chapter and building new relationships with guys I’ve heard nothing but great things about like Scott Coker, Rich Chou and Mike Kogan.
#TheOnceAndFutureKing
BH
