It’s official, Benson Henderson is now a Bellator fighter.
The former UFC lightweight champion (23-5 MMA, 11-3 UFC) announced the news that he had joined the rival promotion on his official website.
Henderson has been a free agent since finishing up his UFC contract with a win over Jorge Masvidal in UFC Fight Night 79’s headliner in November. After the fight, he revealed his desire to finish his career in the UFC, but hinted to test the free-agent waters. Seemingly, the Bellator offer was just too good to turn down.
The terms of the deal, his debut date and opponent, weren’t disclosed in his statement. However, he won’t be short of match ups in the promotion with current lightweight champion Will Brooks quickly running out of challengers and the likes of Michael Chandler in the 155 lb division.
If Henderson wishes to continue fighting at welterweight, as he has done in his last two fights, there are even more fantastic fights begging to be booked. The promotion boasts fighters such as Josh Koscheck, Paul Daley, Andrey Koreshkov and Michael Page in their 170 lb division.
Welcome to the family @BensonHenderson #BellatorNation pic.twitter.com/OT7YVYdB74
— Scott Coker (@ScottCoker) February 1, 2016
The reaction to Henderson making the move to Bellator has been largely positive, while Brooks and Chandler already appear to be eyeing up a fight with the fan favourite.
Benson is an awesome guy and a great fighter. I'll miss calling his fights but I'll enjoy watching him there! https://t.co/YPrOSGwsxc
— Joe Rogan (@joerogan) February 1, 2016
@BensonHenderson You will be missed. A lot. Was an absolute honor to have the chance to call your fights.
— Jon Anik (@Jon_Anik) February 1, 2016
Interesting. We have the same manager. I refrain from asking what his clients intend on doing. I assume Ben is happy https://t.co/R0re8SfAZG
— Aljamain Sterling (@funkmasterMMA) February 1, 2016
I put out my initial @UFC offer to justify my frustrations. Everything else will be btw BellatorFC, UFC, WSOF and I. https://t.co/doE1oJ4bae
— Aljamain Sterling (@funkmasterMMA) February 1, 2016
@BensonHenderson lucky dog.
— Tim Kennedy (@TimKennedyMMA) February 1, 2016
Love the shout out to the awesome UFC Staff we get 2 work with behind scenes that really make this job much more fun @ufc @BensonHenderson
— #OnAmission4Gold (@KelvinGastelum) February 1, 2016
The plot thickens. This is what I like to hear! @BellatorMMA @ScottCoker @rich_chou #putmein
— Michael Chandler (@MikeChandlerMMA) February 1, 2016
I'll be your huckleberry… 😎😎😎 #justsaywhen
— Will Brooks (@ILLxWillBrooks) February 1, 2016
Waiting for Chandler & Thomson to come out and say the fans want to see one of them fight Ben more than they want Ben to fight me.
— Will Brooks (@ILLxWillBrooks) February 1, 2016
