“Smooth” Benson Henderson's Professional MMA debut
Henderson made his professional debut against Dan Gregory on November 18, 2006, fighting on the regional circuit.
He made a winning start to his career, defeating Dan Gregory who carried a 2-0-0 professional MMA record into the fight.
Benson Henderson beat Dan Gregory by Submission at 4:21 of Round 1.
“Smooth” Benson Henderson's Ultimate Fighting Championship Career
Henderson made his debut in the UFC against Mark Bocek on April 30, 2011, fighting on the main card of UFC 129: St. Pierre vs. Shields having compiled a 12-2-0 professional MMA record.
Benson Henderson beat Mark Bocek by Decision at 5:00 of Round 3.
Since his debut, Henderson has gone on to fight a total of 14 more times in the UFC. His UFC record stands at 11-3-0.
Winning the belt: UFC Lightweight Championship against Frankie Edgar
Henderson won the UFC Lightweight Championship defeating Frankie Edgar on February 25, 2012 at UFC 144: Edgar vs. Henderson.
This was Henderson's 1st UFC championship fight.
Benson Henderson beat Frankie Edgar by Decision at 5:00 of Round 5. Both fighters earned a post-fight bonus, after the bout was awarded Fight of the Night.
Title defence #1: Successfully defended the UFC Lightweight Championship against Frankie Edgar
Henderson defended his belt against Frankie Edgar on August 11, 2012 at UFC 150: Henderson vs. Edgar 2.
This was Henderson's first successful UFC lightweight title defence.
Benson Henderson beat Frankie Edgar by Decision at 5:00 of Round 5.
Title defence #2: Successfully defended the UFC Lightweight Championship against Nate Diaz
Henderson defended his belt for the 2nd time against Nate Diaz on December 8, 2012 at UFC on FOX 5: Henderson vs. Diaz.
Benson Henderson beat Nate Diaz by Decision at 5:00 of Round 5.
Title defence #3: Successfully defended the UFC Lightweight Championship against Gilbert Melendez
Henderson defended his belt for the 3rd time against Gilbert Melendez on April 20, 2013 at UFC on FOX 7: Henderson vs. Melendez.
Benson Henderson beat Gilbert Melendez by Decision at 5:00 of Round 5.
Title loss: Losing the UFC Lightweight Championship to Anthony Pettis
Henderson lost his UFC Lightweight title to Anthony Pettis on August 31, 2013 at UFC 164: Henderson vs. Pettis 2 having previously made 3 title defences.
Benson Henderson lost to Anthony Pettis by Submission at 4:31 of Round 1.
Outside the UFC
After his UFC stint, Henderson took his next fight at BFC on April 22, 2016, fighting against Andrey Koreshkov on the main event of Bellator 153: Koreshkov vs. Henderson.
Benson Henderson lost to Andrey Koreshkov by Decision at 5:00 of Round 5.
When was Benson Henderson's last win?
Henderson's last win came against Peter Queally at Bellator 285 on Friday September 23, 2022. Benson Henderson beat Peter Queally by Decision at 5:00 of Round 5.