While the thought of challenging for a world title might be unsettling for some fighters, Benson Henderson is fully prepared.
Scheduled to face UFC lightweight champion Frankie Edgar in the main event at UFC 144 this weekend, Henderson once held a title of his own, as he reigned over the lightweight division in the now-defunct WEC.
He is no stranger to competition, as Henderson has faced formidable opponents in Anthony Pettis, Donald Cerrone and Jim Miller. But in Edgar, who possesses strong boxing, quick footwork and heart, Henderson faces a fighter unlike any other.
Although he couldn’t necessarily point out many weaknesses in the champion, Henderson believes hard work and perseverance can neutralize Edgar’s boxing and angles.
“Keep throwing the kitchen sink at him,” Henderson told MMAFighting.com. “If you want me to beat you up for 25 minutes, let’s do that. I’m OK doing that.”
Henderson’s size and strength, combined with his wrestling and relentless pressure, has stifled many opponents’ game plans in the past, allowing him to capitalize on openings and pull off the win.
Although he wasn’t quick to point out many weaknesses, Henderson recalled the champion’s last few bouts were he saw potential areas he could exploit at UFC 144.
“He leaves openings,” he said. “Gray (Maynard) had him doing the funky chicken dance twice in both of the fights. So, because of that, we know he leaves openings.”
And Henderson believes he will be able to capitalize on those missed opportunities.
“If he lets me touch his chin, I will capitalize and finish off that,” he said.
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