Michael Chandler calls Benson Henderson 'one of the best'
The former UFC champion announced his retirement immediately after losing to Usman Nurmagomedov.
Bellator star and former UFC lightweight champion Benson Henderson announced his retirement on Friday night in San Jose, California after losing in the first round to Usman Nurmagomedov in the main event of Bellator 292. Immediately after the fight, Henderson put his gloves in a cage, signaling about the end of a professional career that began in 2006.
Henderson retires 30-12 with victories over a number of big names including Frankie Edgar, Nate Diaz, Jorge Masvidal, Gilbert Melendez, Donald Cerrone, Clay Guida, Josh Thomson, Roger Huerta and Patricio Pitbull. At the height of his career, Henderson was the world's best at 155 pounds and held UFC gold in that division from February 2012 to August 2013.
His formidable accomplishments have made him widely respected by his peers, some of whom have taken to social media in support, including former contender and current UFC star Michael Chandler, who called Henderson “one of the best of all time.”
"Congratulations on a beautiful and brilliant career, Benson. It's been an honor to watch you for so many years, strive to compete, share a cage with you. You are truly one of the best of all time," he wrote on Twitter.