Benson Henderson Ends MMA Retirement
Former UFC lightweight champion Benson Henderson, age 42, is coming out of retirement to headline PFL Brussels against an unbeaten opponent. Henderson's comeback after a storied UFC and Bellator career highlights the enduring appeal of veterans in MMA. Post-UFC Mexico, matchmaking debates are raging with Brandon Moreno vs. winner of Johnson/Silva and Marlon Vera possibly retiring.
Benson Henderson's retirement was brief, lasting just over a year after he left his gloves in the cage in March 2023. His final fight before retiring was a first-round submission loss to the undefeated Usman Nurmagomedov at Bellator 292 for the lightweight world championship. Henderson's return to the cage will be against Patrick "The Belgian Bomber" Habirora, an undefeated 24-year-old prospect with a professional record of 8-0. The welterweight bout is scheduled to headline the PFL event in Brussels, Belgium, on May 23, placing the 42-year-old veteran against a rising star in his home country. A former WEC and UFC Lightweight Champion, Henderson holds a notable record for three successful UFC title defenses, a feat shared with legends like B.J. Penn, Frankie Edgar, and Khabib Nurmagomedov. His championship reign included victories over Frankie Edgar (twice), Nate Diaz, and Gilbert Melendez. Despite his recent MMA hiatus, Henderson has remained active in combat sports. In the past year, he has competed in Misfits Boxing, Karate Combat, and even a Real American Freestyle Wrestling match. This comeback marks his official return to mixed martial arts under the Professional Fighters League banner.
