Ben Henderson

Ben Henderson | “Smooth”
Ht: 5’9 – Wt: 155 – Age: 29
Born: Colorado, USA
Fights out of: Glendale, AZ, USA
Team: MMA Lab
Overall Record: 18-2
UFC Record: 6-0

Background:
Benson Henderson is the current #1 contender heading into 2012. Henderson began his mixed martial arts career in 2006, quickly amassing a 7-1 record on the independent circuit before signing with the WEC in 2009. Henderson made a successful debut defeating Anthony Njokuani before impressively finishing Shane Roller via 1st round TKO. Henderson was surprisingly tabbed to face Donald Cerrone for the interim WEC lightweight championship since reigning WEC champion Jamie Varner was sidelined due to injury. Henderson and Cerrone partook in a back-and-forth war that ended with Henderson’s hand raised, though the fight could have gone either way. Henderson unified the WEC title by defeating WEC champion Varner in his next bout before defending his title against Cerrone. Henderson won the rematch much easier this time around, submitting Cerrone with a 1st round guillotine. Henderson moved on to face Anthony Pettis in his final WEC title defense since the WEC was being absorbed by the UFC. The winner of the bout was scheduled to face the UFC lightweight champion, so the stakes were high going into the bout. In the Fight of the Night, both fighters fought tooth-and-nail for the championship as Pettis ultimately won via decision to become the new WEC lightweight champion. Henderson eventually made his way over to the UFC and immediately made his presence known by defeating Mark Bocek, Jim Miller, and Clay Guida to distinguish himself as the #1 contender in the UFC lightweight division.

2011 Breakdown:
Henderson went 3-0 in 2011, defeating 3 established UFC veteran contenders.
Henderson made his UFC debut against Mark Bocek at UFC 129. Bocek used his grappling prowess early to keep the fight close, but Henderson was just too much of an athlete for Bocek to handle. Henderson used his superior conditioning and strength to win a unanimous decision victory.
Henderson moved on to face top contender Jim Miller at UFC Live 5. Miller was likely one win away from a title shot, but it did not matter to Henderson, who controlled the fight throughout. Henderson stunned many observers, as he completely overpowered Henderson winning the clinch battles and battering Miller like we had never seen before. Henderson’s win propelled him right into the title mix.
Henderson squared off against Clay Guida at UFC on Fox 1 in a #1 contender fight. Guida was coming in on a 4-fight win streak, and the two high-energy fighters engaged in a thrilling Fight of the Night performance. Henderson narrowly outpointed Guida, though both fighters had their respective, dominant moments. Henderson was now the clear-cut #1 contender for Frankie Edgar’s UFC title.

2012 Forecast:
Henderson elevated himself this year into an elite fighter. Coming off the loss to Pettis, it seemed that Henderson would get lost in the deep UFC lightweight division, but instead Henderson raised his game, demanding the attention of his new promotion. Henderson’s wrestling, strength, and conditioning seem to all flow together. His striking is still his weak area, but he has shown a solid chin and has thus far held his own against superior strikers. His dismantling of Jim Miller was extremely impressive and makes him a true threat to defeat Frankie Edgar for the title in 2012.

Ben Henderson Fight Record

Overall Record: 15-2
2008-2011 Record: 11-1

2011 Record: 3-0
Win | Clay Guida | Dec | Rd 3 | UFC | 11/12/2011
Win | Jim Miller | Dec | Rd 3 | UFC | 08/14/2011
Win | Mark Bocek | Dec | Rd 3 | UFC | 04/30/2011

2010 Record: 2-1
Loss | Anthony Pettis | Dec | Rd 5 | WEC | 12/16/2010
Win | Donald Cerrone | Sub | Rd 1 | WEC | 04/24/2010
Win | Jamie Varner | Sub | Rd 3 | WEC | 01/10/2010

2009 Record: 3-0
Win | Donald Cerrone | Dec | Rd 5 | WEC | 10/10/2009
Win | Shane Roller | Tko | Rd 1 | WEC | 04/05/2009
Win | Anthony Njokuani | Sub | Rd 2 | WEC | 01/25/2009

2008 Record: 3-0
Win | Diego Saraiva | Dec | Rd 3 | | 10/04/2008
Win | Ricardo Tirloni | Sub | Rd 2 | | 07/25/2008
Win | Mike Maestas | Sub | Rd 3 | | 05/09/2008