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Former UFC Lightweight Champion Benson Henderson Is Going To Test Free Agency
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11.28.2015 | 6:41 PM ET
By Ken Pishna
Benson Henderson completed the last fight on his eight-bout UFC contract when he defeated Jorge Masvidal at UFC Fight Night 79 on Saturday in Seoul, South Korea. In his post-fight actions in the Octagon, he alluded to the idea that he might be ready to step out and test the free agent market.
Well, it wasn’t just an allusion.
In between comments, Henderson took off his gloves and set them down on the canvas; generally an indication that a fighter is done competing. But after saying into the camera, “Was that impressive enough for you?” he picked up his gloves and walked out of the Octagon.
He later confirmed to MMAJunkie.com that there was a reason for night signing a new UFC contract prior to the Masvidal bout, he intends to swim with the sharks in the free agent waters.
“When I retire, it will be retiring in the UFC, I know that for sure,” he said. “But I’m going to test the market, yes.”
Henderson didn’t exactly state that he would be fighting elsewhere once contract negotiations play out, but he has certainly blown the door wide open for such a possiblity.
“I’m not trying to send any message of any type, but if it plays out a certain way, I want to have some pretty good memories to go out on,” he said.
Several former UFC fighters have recently signed with Bellator, so it wouldn’t be all that surprising if Henderson were to follow suit. Phil Davis, Josh Thomson, and Josh Koscheck are all currently flying the Bellator, but another intriguing possibility could be Asian fight promotion ONE Championship (formerly ONE FC).
A match-up with current ONE welterweight champion Ben Askren would be a solid bout for both men, and continuing to fight in Asia is certainly something that Henderson might enjoy. For his part, it certainly sounds as if Askren is lobbying for his employer to make the move.
For now, however, Henderson’s next move remains in limbo, as he just finished his contract, and the UFC typically has a 90-day exclusive negotiating window with most of its fighters.
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Thoughts?
Does Henderson stay with the UFC?
If not, what organization does Henderson join?
"..."
Responses Page 2
11.30.2015 | 10:20 AM ET
11.30.2015 | 10:29 AM ET
11.30.2015 | 11:05 AM ET
"Hay lohh you Mike, ay lov you Mike. Hyou say somesing like di fo me, and naw I say you ... I LOV YOU! See you som. Boy." -- Yoel Romero, UFC 205
11.30.2015 | 11:15 AM ET
"If I have a goal, then it is to escape from this literalism. I'll never achieve it; in the same way that I'll never manage to describe what really dwells within my character, although I keep on trying."
11.30.2015 | 11:26 AM ET
11.30.2015 | 11:40 AM ET
"here I come to save the day"
11.30.2015 | 11:52 AM ET
11.30.2015 | 12:20 PM ET
"here I come to save the day"
11.30.2015 | 12:23 PM ET
11.30.2015 | 12:31 PM ET
"here I come to save the day"
11.30.2015 | 12:52 PM ET
11.30.2015 | 1:11 PM ET
* Edited at 11.30.2015, 1:12 PM ET *
"here I come to save the day"
11.30.2015 | 11:59 PM ET
"Why are you booing me? I am the GOAT. **** you." - Patricio "Pitbull" Freire
12.01.2015 | 4:14 AM ET
It's not clear is that's show money and there's also a win bonus, per fight or full contract value, but it's a nice start.
To be honest, I don't see him ending up in Road FC, but it's still an official offer to come with to further negotioations with the UFC and a nice high watermark for other companies that may want to lay him an offer too.
"Hay lohh you Mike, ay lov you Mike. Hyou say somesing like di fo me, and naw I say you ... I LOV YOU! See you som. Boy." -- Yoel Romero, UFC 205