UFC News: Lightweight legend Benson Henderson hints at retirement after split decision win over Islam Mamedov at Bellator 273

Benson Henderson took on Khabib Nurmagomedov’s teammate Islam Mamedov at Bellator 273. Henderson was looking to get back into the win column, having given up his last three outings in the Bellator cage.

‘Smooth’ proved his doubters wrong with a hard-fought split decision win, ending Mamedov’s 20-fight unbeaten streak. However, a perhaps bigger talking point was Henderson hinting at retirement in the post-fight interview. Henderson told John McCarthy:

“It was the most important fight of my entire career. I don’t know if I’ll ever fight again, so getting out a W is good. That’s the way to go, ahead of your hometown of Phoenix, Arizona. Thank you so much.”

Watch Benson Henderson’s post-fight interview below:

Henderson rose to prominence on the international MMA scene after submitting Anthony Njokuani in his WEC debut in 2009. Henderson won the WEC lightweight championship from Jamie Varner the following year and defended it with a first-round win over Donald Cerrone.

Henderson made his successful UFC debut following his WEC acquisition, scoring a tough decision against Mark Bocek. After the decision won over Clay Guida and Jim Miller, Henderson secured a UFC title shot against Frankie Edgar. “Smooth” defeated Edgar by unanimous decision and defended him in an immediate rematch with a split decision victory.


Benson Henderson wants to keep fighting

While Benson Henderson’s Bellator contract is up, he’s not sure if he’ll completely hang up the gloves. Henderson revealed he may have to renegotiate his deal with the promotion as he may have “under-beaten” his contract. The lightweight legend said in the post-fight presser at Bellator 273:

“This is my last fight on my deal with Bellator. They paid me a lot of money. I may have under-struggled my contract. So, I’m going to renegotiations.”

When asked if this was the last fight of his MMA career, the American replied:

“I don’t know. I know I would love to keep fighting. But you know, other things have to line up. My wife is going to turn pro soon. We have four babies, I have to be home and take care of these babies. Four children, you know, one is always sick. So one of us, her or me, one of us always has to be home with the sick child.

Watch Benson Henderson’s appearance in the post-fight scrimmage below:


Edited by Saiyed Adeem Karim

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