Former UFC and WEC lightweight champion Benson Henderson called it a career Friday at SAP Center in San Jose, Calif., after he lost in the Bellator 292 main event to Usman Nurmagomedov.
Henderson, 39, competed as a professional mixed martial artist since 2006. He competed for the UFC and Bellator 14 times each, as well as six times for WEC, among many other smaller promotional stops.
As news of Henderson’s retirement spread across the MMA world, fans, fighters, personalities, and media members had plenty to say as they reacts to the news. Scroll below to see what they had to say.
Scott Coker
Thank you @BensonHenderson. #Bellator292
— Scott Coker (@ScottCoker) March 11, 2023
Aaron Bronsteter
Henderson is one of the all-time nice guys in MMA. A class act through and through.
— Aaron Bronsteter (@aaronbronsteter) March 11, 2023
Matthew Wells
Benson Henderson announced his retirement and left his gloves in the cage. One of my personal favs calls an end to a great career. #Bellator292 https://t.co/Yesae2WFHA
— Matthew Wells (@MrMWells) March 11, 2023
Charles Rosa
Congrats to the legend on a amazing career @BensonHenderson 🫡 @ufc @BellatorMMA #Bellator292 pic.twitter.com/lWgP4aARa8
— Charles Rosa (@CharlesRosaMMA) March 11, 2023
George Garcia
Enjoy retirement, lightweight legend.
Benson Henderson won two major belts, had title defenses and beat a lot of great fighters along the way.#Bellator292
— Gorgeous George (@MMAJunkieGeorge) March 11, 2023
Bellator MMA
Thank you, @BensonHenderson! 👏
What an amazing career. #Bellator292 pic.twitter.com/H0alBrtpiE
— Bellator MMA (@BellatorMMA) March 11, 2023
Abbey Subhan
Benson Henderson appreciation post #Bellator292 pic.twitter.com/M79RFRGYFk
— Abbey Subhan (@kammakaze) March 11, 2023
Aaron Simpson
One of the greatest to ever do it. I remember when you first came in to train with us at AZ Combat Sports back in 2008. Man, what a career. @BensonHenderson you are the King. Proud to call you my friend. #Bellator292 pic.twitter.com/Fk9bzUsqpH
— Aaron Simpson (@aaronsimpson) March 11, 2023
Patricio Freire
Certainly one of the greats, I hope your retirement is a happy one @BensonHenderson. @BellatorMMA #Bellator292
— Patricio Pitbull (@PatricioPitbull) March 11, 2023
B.J. Penn
Thank you @BensonHenderson! #Legend 👏🏼
— bjpenndotcom (@bjpenndotcom) March 11, 2023
Patricky Freire
Congratulations for your career and best of luck with your retirement @BensonHenderson. #Bellator292 @BellatorMMA
— Patricky Freire (@PatrickyPitbull) March 11, 2023
Joe Giannetti
What a career by one of the OG's 👏🏻 #Bellator292 pic.twitter.com/5jHIFLEnHf
— Joe Joe Giannetti 💀 (@Giannettimma) March 11, 2023
Tim Welch
Legend @BensonHenderson @TheMMALAB Awesome Career ☝🏻
— Tim Welch (@TimwelchMT) March 11, 2023
Michael Chandler
Congrats on a beautiful and illustrious career @BensonHenderson . It was an honor to watch you for years, aspire to compete against you and then share the cage with you. You’re truly one of the best of all time. 🐐
— Michael Chandler (@MikeChandlerMMA) March 11, 2023
Sean O'Malley
Legend https://t.co/kKkAx9JQbR
— Sean O'Malley (@SugaSeanMMA) March 11, 2023
Jakub Lauko
absolute legend🎩 https://t.co/gmgHoD8EnO
— Jakub Lauko (@jakub_lauko) March 11, 2023
