MMA followers world wide had been left surprised as former WEC and UFC champion Benson Henderson introduced his retirement from the game, hanging up his gloves after being submitted by Usman Nurmagomedov within the first spherical at Bellator 292. The 39-year-old ‘Clean’ ended his illustrious profession with knowledgeable document of 42-30-12, spanning over 17 years.
In the primary occasion of the Bellator Light-weight World Grand Prix quarter-finals, Nurmagomedov saved the household title flying excessive, delivering a shocking rear-naked choke after a query mark kick floored the previous UFC champion within the opening seconds. Thereafter, throughout his post-fight interview, Henderson introduced his retirement contained in the cage, signaling the tip of an period within the sport.
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This information elicited a plethora of reactions from the MMA neighborhood, with many expressing their admiration and appreciation for the legend.
MMA world bids farewell to Benson Henderson
The 39-year-old Arizona native retired with a protracted and stupendous resume of accolades, having secured wins over notable fighters like Frankie Edgar, Josh Thomson, Nate Diaz, Donald Cerrone, Jim Miller, Clay Guida, Jorge Masvidal, and so forth. His spectacular document and noteworthy achievements have undoubtedly left an indelible mark on the game, and his retirement marks the tip of an period in MMA. Followers who had adopted his illustrious profession had been left with heavy hearts as they bid farewell to ‘Clean’ Benson Henderson.
Take a look at how the struggle followers showered love on Henderson upon his retirement:
Congrats on an exquisite and illustrious profession @BensonHenderson . It was an honor to observe you for years, aspire to compete in opposition to you after which share the cage with you. You’re actually top-of-the-line of all time. 🐐
— Michael Chandler (@MikeChandlerMMA) March 11, 2023
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Benson Henderson’s hit listing as he heads into retirement after 17 yrs.
– Donald Cerrone (x2)
– Nate Diaz
– Frankie Edgar (x2)
– Jorge Masvidal
– Patricio Pitbull
– Gilbert Melendez
– Josh Thomson
– Clay Guida
– Jim MillerWEC champ. UFC champ.
Among the finest LWs to ever do it. pic.twitter.com/hM6xQLPzWk
— Shaheen Al-Shatti (@shaunalshatti) March 11, 2023
Props to Benson Henderson. What a profession. To not point out it is exhausting to look cool preventing a Diaz even for those who’re profitable however getting flipped off whereas non-chalantly being in a full break up with a hidden toothpick was cool as hell. Good on him leaving tonight. #Bellator292 pic.twitter.com/n2xucpXC23
— 𝕵𝖚𝖘𝖙𝖎𝖓 𝕲𝖔𝖑𝖎𝖌𝖍𝖙𝖑𝖞 (@justin_golight) March 11, 2023
Benson Henderson retires after 42 skilled fights. Legend, all the time a category act. I’ll perpetually bear in mind the toothpick and his axe kick amongst being a former WEC & UFC champion. One of many final from his period. #Bellator292 pic.twitter.com/Ue4UXAstmz
— Joe Gravel (@JoeGravel20) March 11, 2023
My favourite fighter ever. Unpopular opinion: There wouldn’t be a Charles Olivera and Conor McGregor and not using a Benson Henderson. He ushered within the fancy putting and slick subs period for LW’s. https://t.co/2W24NYslA4
— Platinum Laney Caster (@PrinceLaney) March 11, 2023
Wow holy shit what an insane profession by Benson Henderson, congrats on the retirement
— 𖤐Bryan🇸🇻 (@V0O0D0O0) March 11, 2023
Having mentioned that, Henderson additionally revealed his plans after retirement.
And it seems he’s making approach for his spouse Maria Magana, who can be making her skilled MMA debut quickly.
The missus will take it from right here
Throughout his post-fight information convention, ‘Clean’ Benson Henderson obtained emotional as he make clear his choice to retire from preventing. He defined that it was time for him to hold up his gloves and let another person flourish, that somebody being his spouse, Maria Magana. Benson acknowledged that he had achieved every little thing he had got down to obtain, and that it was time for him to give attention to his household.
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The 39-year-old mentioned, “The vast majority of the time can be taking good care of the youngsters; in order that she will be able to prepare extra. I signed that take care of Bellator and I advised myself, ‘Anytime you lose throughout these 4 fights, that’s most likely it,’ and that’s what occurred. It’s time to put the gloves down. I’ll nonetheless be round and assist the fellows out. I really like my staff.”
He continued, “It’s my spouse’s flip to shine. Her flip to observe three, 4 occasions a day and get after it. So, you already know, I’ll depart that to her, and I’ll be taking care; doing nearly all of, taking good care of the youngsters. However I’ll nonetheless be within the health club; nonetheless serving to out with my staff, and naturally, assist my spouse out and stuff.”
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Even so, his legacy will undoubtedly endure, as he impressed a era of fighters to attempt for greatness and pushed the game of MMA to new heights. It’s the tip of an period, certainly.
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