Benson Henderson (fighter)
| Benson Henderson | |
|---|---|
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| Born | November 16, 1983 Colorado Springs, Colorado, USA |
| Other names | Smooth, Bendo |
| Nationality | American |
| Height | 5 ft 9 in (1.75 m) |
| Weight | 154 lb (69.9 kg; 11.0 st) |
| Division | Lightweight (155 lb) Welterweight (170 lb) |
| Reach | 70 in (178 cm) |
| Style | Muay Thai, Wrestling, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Taekwondo |
| Stance | Southpaw |
| Fighting out of | Glendale, Arizona |
| Team | MMA Lab |
| Rank | Black belt in Taekwondo Brown belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu NAIA All American Wrestler |
| Years active | 2006 - present (MMA) |
| Mixed martial arts record | |
| Total | 18 |
| Wins | 16 |
| By knockout | 2 |
| By submission | 8 |
| By decision | 6 |
| Losses | 2 |
| By submission | 1 |
| By decision | 1 |
| Amateur career | |
| Total | 3 |
| Wins | 2 |
| By knockout | 2 |
| Losses | 1 |
| By knockout | 1 (although his full amateur MMA record is unknown) |
| Other information | |
| University | Dana College |
| Notable school(s) | Decatur High School |
| Website | http://www.smoothben.com/ |
| Mixed martial arts record from Sherdog | |
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| Medal record | ||
|---|---|---|
Competitor for  United States |
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| Men's Grappling | ||
| IBJJF World Jiu-Jitsu Championship | ||
| Bronze | 2011 Long Beach | -76 kg (Brown) |
Benson Henderson (born November 16, 1983) is an American mixed martial artist. He is currently fighting for the Ultimate Fighting Championship and is the current UFC Lightweight Champion. Henderson is known for his aggressive style and his ability to escape from deep submission attempts. As of March 2012, Henderson is ranked as the #1 lightweight fighter in the world by Sherdog.[1]
Contents |
[edit] Early life
Henderson was born in Colorado Springs, Colorado to a Korean American mother and an African American father.[2] He was raised in Federal Way, Washington. He attended Decatur High School from 1998 to 2001. Ben 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. Henderson is a proud Christian, and uses his fighting to share his beliefs. He is known to quote scripture after bouts, and walks into each fight to a gospel song.
"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." [3]
Henderson is currently a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Brown belt under John Crouch, who is a black belt under Royce Gracie.[4]
[edit] 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.[5] 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.
[edit] World Extreme Cagefighting
Three months later, Henderson made his World Extreme Cagefighting (WEC) debut against Anthony Njokuani. Henderson defeated Njokuani with a guillotine choke early in round two. He made his second appearance in the WEC at WEC 40 knocking out contender Shane Roller.
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 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.[6] The bout was also awarded 2009 Fight of the Year for all of MMA by Sherdog.com[7]
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.[8]
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.[9]
Henderson faced Anthony Pettis on December 16, 2010 at WEC 53.[10] Henderson lost his title by unanimous decision. The fight won Fight of the Night honors.
[edit] 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.[11]
Henderson made his UFC debut at UFC 129 on April 30, 2011, defeating Mark Bocek via unanimous decision.
Henderson next faced Jim Miller on August 14, 2011 at UFC on Versus 5.[12] 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).[13]
Henderson faced Clay Guida on November 12, 2011 at UFC on Fox 1.[14] He won the fight via unanimous decision after three rounds in a action packed war that earned both fighters Fight of the Night honors. With the win, he became the #1 contender for the UFC Lightweight title.
Henderson faced Frankie Edgar on February 25, 2012 at UFC 144.[15] Henderson defeated Edgar via unanimous decision to become UFC Lightweight Champion. Henderson left relatively unscathed and outlanded Edgar 100 to 81 in the striking game. Both participants earned Fight of the Night honors for their performance.
A rematch with Edgar is expected to take place on August 11, 2012 at UFC 150.[16]
[edit] Personal life
Ben has one older brother, Julius Henderson, and one younger one[17]
[edit] Championships and accomplishments
[edit] Amateur wrestling
- National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics
- NAIA All-American (2005, 2006)
- Washington Interscholastic Activities Association
[edit] Mixed martial arts
- Ultimate Fighting Championship
- UFC Lightweight Championship (One time, current)
- Fight of the Night (Two times)
- World Extreme Cagefighting
- WEC Lightweight Championship (One time)
- One successful title defense
- WEC Interim Lightweight Championship (One time)
- Fight of the Night (Two times)
- Submission of the Night (One time)
- MMAFighting
- 2010 Fight of the Year vs. Anthony Pettis on December 16
- 2009 Fight of the Year vs. Donald Cerrone on October 10
- Sports Illustrated
- 2009 Fight of the Year vs. Donald Cerrone on October 10
- Sherdog
- 2009 Fight of the Year vs. Donald Cerrone on October 10
Mamando verga of the year award
[edit] Submission grappling
- International Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Federation
- 2011 World Jiu-Jitsu Championship Brown Belt Bronze Medalist
- Arizona State Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Federation
- AZSBJJF MVP of the Year (2010)
- 2011 Arizona State Championship Brown Belt Openweight Bronze Medalist
- 2011 Arizona State Championship Brown Belt Middleweight Silver Medalist
- 2011 Arizona Open Brown Belt Openweight Silver Medalist
- 2011 Arizona Open Brown Belt Middleweight Gold Medalist
- 2011 Southwest Classic Brown Belt Openweight Gold Medalist
- 2011 Southwest Classic Brown Belt Middleweight Gold Medalist
- 2010 Arizona State Championship Purple Belt Openweight Gold Medalist
- 2010 Arizona State Championship Purple Belt Middleweight Gold Medalist
- 2010 Arizona Open Purple Belt Openweight Silver Medalist
- 2010 Arizona Open Purple Belt Middleweight Gold Medalist
[edit] Mixed martial arts record
| Professional record breakdown | ||
| 18 matches | 16 wins | 2 losses |
| By knockout | 2 | 0 |
| By submission | 8 | 1 |
| By decision | 6 | 1 |
| Result | Record | Opponent | Method | Event | Date | Round | Time | Location | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Win | 16–2 | Frankie Edgar | Decision (unanimous) | UFC 144 | February 26, 2012 | 5 | 5:00 | Saitama, Japan | Won 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 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 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 WEC Lightweight Championship. |
| Win | 10–1 | Donald Cerrone | Decision (unanimous) | WEC 43 | October 10, 2009 | 5 | 5:00 | San Antonio, Texas, United States | Won 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 | 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) | VFC 21: Infamous | December 7, 2007 | 1 | 2:36 | Council Bluffs, Iowa, United States | |
| Win | 3–1 | David Dagloria | Submission (punches) | UCE: 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 | 160 lb catchweight bout. |
| Win | 2–0 | Alien Williams | TKO (punches) | VFC 18: Hitmen | February 16, 2007 | 1 | 1:37 | Council Bluffs, Iowa, United States | |
| Win | 1–0 | Dan Gregary | Submission (punches) | MCF: Genesis | November 18, 2006 | 1 | 4:21 | North Platte, Nebraska, United States |
[edit] Amateur mixed martial arts record (Incomplete)
| Professional record breakdown | ||
| 3 matches | 2 wins | 1 loss |
| By knockout | 2 | 1 |
| By submission | 0 | 0 |
| By decision | 0 | 0 |
| Result | Record | Opponent | Method | Event | Date | Round | Time | Location | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Loss | 2–1 | Chad Klingensmith | TKO (punches) | Ring of Fire 27: Collision Course | December 9, 2006 | 2 | 1:47 | Castle Rock, Colorado, United States | Welterweight Bout |
| Win | 2–0 | Corey Clinebell | TKO (punches) | Omaha Fight Club | October 27, 2006 | 1 | 0:53 | United States | Welterweight bout |
[edit] References
- ^ "Sherdog Official Mixed Martial Arts Rankings". sherdog.com. March 7, 2012. http://www.sherdog.com/news/rankings/6/Sherdogs-Official-Mixed-Martial-Arts-Rankings-40911. Retrieved 2012-03-07.
- ^ http://news.msn.co.kr/article/read.html?cate_code=8400&article_id=201001131050103012
- ^ "WEC - World Extreme Cagefighting - Ben Henderson". www.wec.tv. http://www.wec.tv/BenHenderson.
- ^ http://smoothben.ning.com/profiles/blogs/so-yeah?xg_source=shorten_twitter
- ^ "Ben Henderson "Smooth" Official Mixed Martial Arts Record". www.mixedmartialarts.com. http://www.mixedmartialarts.com/mma.cfm?go=stats.fighterDetail&pid=D2E0391462FE9309.
- ^ "HENDERSON & CERRONE EARN EXTRA WITH WEC BONUSES". www.mmaweekly.com. http://www.mmaweekly.com/absolutenm/templates/dailynews.asp?articleid=9747&zoneid=13. Retrieved 2009-10-11.
- ^ "Sherdog's Fight of the Year". www.sherdog.com. http://www.sherdog.com/news/articles/Sherdogs-Fight-of-the-Year-21996. Retrieved 2010-01-14.
- ^ WEC 46 live results and play by play
- ^ "WEC 48: Aldo vs. Faber - Live Results and Commentary". BLOODYELBOW.com. 2010-04-24. http://www.bloodyelbow.com/2010/4/24/1441784/wec-48-aldo-vs-faber-live-results. Retrieved 2010-04-25.
- ^ "HENDERSON VS. PETTIS OFFICIAL FOR WEC DEC 16". MMAweekly.com. 2010-09-23. http://www.mmaweekly.com/absolutenm/templates/dailynews.asp?articleid=12683&zoneid=13.
- ^ "UFC and WEC set to merge in 2011; events to air on Versus and Spike TV". mmajunkie.com. October 28, 2010. http://mmajunkie.com/news/21189/ufc-and-wec-set-to-merge-in-2011-events-to-air-on-versus-and-spike-tv.mma.
- ^ "Jim Miller Faces Ben Henderson in a Lightweight Bout at UFC on Versus 5". mmaweekly.com. May 11, 2011. http://mmaweekly.com/jim-miller-faces-ben-henderson-in-a-lightweight-bout-at-ufc-on-versus-5.
- ^ "UFC on Versus 5 Play-by-Play: Jim Miller vs. Ben Henderson". MMAweekly.com. 2011-08-14. http://mmaweekly.com/ufc-on-versus-5-play-by-play-jim-miller-vs-ben-henderson.
- ^ "Clay Guida vs. Ben Henderson in the works for UFC on FOX 1". mmajunkie.com. 2011-09-06. http://mmajunkie.com/news/25108/clay-guida-vs-ben-henderson-in-the-works-for-ufc-on-fox-1.mma.
- ^ "UFC champ Frankie Edgar faces Ben Henderson at February's UFC Japan event". mmajunkie.com. November 12, 2011. http://mmajunkie.com/news/26073/ufc-champ-frankie-edgar-faces-ben-henderson-at-feburarys-ufc-japan-event.mma. Retrieved November 12, 2011.
- ^ "Benson Henderson vs. Frankie Edgar II official for UFC 150 in Denver". mmajunkie.com. May 8, 2012. http://mmajunkie.com/news/28617/benson-henderson-vs-frankie-edgar-ii-official-for-ufc-150-in-denver.mma.
- ^ "Northwest Asian Weekly - Smooth Operator". www.nwasianweekly.com. http://www.nwasianweekly.com/2009/10/smooth-operator/. Retrieved 2009-10-22.
[edit] External links
- Official Site
- Professional MMA record for Benson Henderson (fighter) from Sherdog
- Official UFC Profile
| New title | 1st WEC Interim Lightweight Champion October 10, 2009 - January 10, 2010 |
Vacant |
| Preceded by Jamie Varner |
6th WEC Lightweight Champion January 10, 2010 - December 16, 2010 |
Succeeded by Anthony Pettis |
| Preceded by Frankie Edgar |
5th UFC Lightweight Champion February 26, 2012 – Present |
Current holder |
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- American mixed martial artists
- Mixed martial artists from Washington (state)
- Lightweight mixed martial artists
- World Extreme Cagefighting champions
- 1983 births
- Living people
- American practitioners of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu
- American taekwondo practitioners
- American people of Korean descent
- African-American mixed martial artists
- People from Federal Way, Washington
