Benson Henderson signs with Bellator | UFC Betting Sites

Earlier today (February 1, 2016), former UFC lightweight champion “Smooth” Benson Henderson announced that he would be taking his talents over to Scott Coker run Bellator MMA.

Riding a two fight win streak, Henderson fought out his contract with the UFC, ending it off with a split decision win over Jorge Masvidal last November.

After the fight with Masvidal, it was very clear that “Smooth” was a free agent, and with the Reebok sponsorship deal limiting UFC fighters, many had expected him to jump ship and he did just that.

Henderson was quick to thank the UFC, and President Dana White even commented on the news soon after it was announced.

White, speaking with MMAJunkie, claimed that the UFC had actually offered a substantially larger deal than Bellator, but that Bellator had offered Bendo more money up front.

The UFC president also seemed to take a shot at the former champion, seemingly implying that he has declined over time:

“The truth is we made him an offer that would have paid him substantially more – like not even in the same ballpark – than he’s getting now if he were to become world champion again, but he chose their deal, which offered more up front,” White said. “He’s a former world champion who’s ranked No. 15 now. We’re looking for top-5 guys, guys that are going from 15 to 1, not the other way around.”

At the end of the day, White admitted that he was happy for Henderson, wishing him all the best:

“But I’m honestly happy for Benson. I’m not angry. Who knows? This could be the last contract he ever signs. He got the right deal for him. He’s a great guy, and we wish him all the best.”

Did Henderson make the right decision in joining Bellator?

The post Dana On Bendo: We’re Looking For Guys Who Go From 15 To 1, Not Other Way Around appeared first on LowKick MMA.

Following his decision win over Jorge Masvidal in the main event of last November’s UFC Fight Night 79, former UFC lightweight champion Benson Henderson declared that he would be testing the free agent waters with his contract now fulfilled.

It was a statement that more and more fighters seem to be making in this new and not-so-lucrative Reebok sponsorship era, but many of the fighters simply see what they’re worth on the open market and then find out if the UFC will match them or not. Some end up staying, and others, like former UFC light heavyweight contender Phil Davis, actually do leave for a better deal in another promotion.

benson henderson vs brandon thatch

And today (Mon., February 1, 2015), news has arrived from Henderson that he has joined Davis in Bellator, releasing a statement via his website:

I’d like to officially announce my move over to Bellator MMA.
I’m beyond excited for this next phase of my career, it’s a big move, like any move when switching employers or jobs after having worked somewhere for such a long time.

I have to thank the BigMan upstairs for putting some amazing people in my life, my wife (first and foremost) and a lot of truly smart and insightful people behind the scenes who helped make the connections and negotiated this deal to bring it to fruition.

I’d be remiss to not thank Dana White and Lorenzo Fertita for the opportunities they presented me, you guys have helped me change my life for the better and to be able to provide my family with the things I didn’t have while growing up. For that I’ll always have the utmost appreciation. Thanks for all the advise you guys gave too, both business wise and personal.

And last but not least, to who it is I think of when I think of the UFC! Everybody behind the scenes who I personally dealt with every time I reported in or had to do something. Mayra, Melissa, Dave, Chris, Nick, Tracy, Joanie, Maura, Tony, Heidi, Ryan, James, Dave, Kaia (sp.???), Burt, Rob, Rudy, Stitch, House, Mike, Susie, Dean, Donna, Feryal, Sean, Joe, Brad, Jazzmine, Candice, Michelle, Reed, sorry I can’t name everyone or this list would go on for forever. There’s a whole ton of people behind the scenes who make that show what it is. You guys and girls are the ones who make that show great and allow us fighters to do what it is we love!!! Much love to you all and thanks for putting up with me for so long.

To my fans, thanks for all the love and support, I’ll keep giving you my all, opening up my heart and soul inside that cage. I’m excited for this next chapter and building new relationships with guys I’ve heard nothing but great things about like Scott Coker, Rich Chou and Mike Kogan.

#TheOnceAndFutureKing
BH

UFC officials confirmed that they had declined its matching rights on Henderson’s offer, making his move official. With the announcement, Henderson will now reportedly move back to lightweight after winning his last two UFC bouts at welterweight, and it appears that he’s already found his first potential opponent.

Read on to the next page to find out who called out ‘Smooth’ quite quickly….

The post Benson Henderson Officially Signs With Bellator MMA appeared first on LowKick MMA.