Former UFC lightweight champion Benson Henderson has signed for Bellator as MMA’s second largest promotion show a signal of intent.
Henderson shocked the MMA community in the statement made on his website this morning.
“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.”
“Smooth” has been a stalwart of the UFC for the past five years, headlining ten events in his time with the company.
The former WEC lightweight champ announced himself when he captured octagon gold at UFC 144, outpointing Frankie Edgar.
He defended his title three times, beating Edgar in the rematch, Nate Diaz and Gilbert Melendez before being submitted by Anthony Pettis at UFC 164.
Following that loss he went 2-2 at lightweight before moving up a weight class to welterweight where he is currently riding a two fight win streak.
A year ago he finished Brandon Thatch in one of the best fights of 2015 and in November he fought the last fight of his contract against Jorge Masvidal.
The signing is a real catch for Bellator president Scott Coker who described Henderson as his “number one target”.
Since taking the job in 2014 Coker has made a conscious effort to narrow the gap between the two premier promotions and sees signing disgruntled UFC talent as the way to do it.
Prior to this his biggest signing was that of Phil Davis, the UFC light-heavyweight who felt little love from the hierarchy at his former employer.
But today’s news will surely be seen as his strongest move yet.
Henderson’s statement continued:
“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”
No terms of the deal have been disclosed.
