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Benson Henderson’s wife, Maria, holds a professional MMA record of 1-0.
‘Smooth’ ended his legendary fighting career after losing by a first-round submission against Bellator lightweight champion Usman Nurmagomedov. Although the former UFC champion is moving on from competing, he won’t be stepping away from MMA as his wife’s journey recently began.
Maria Henderson made her amateur MMA debut in February 2021, winning by unanimous decision under the LFA banner. Eight months later, ‘Mouse’ won her second amateur fight with a 40-second submission in Bellator. Henderson fought once more before turning pro, which was a third-round submission at LFA 131 in May 2022.
Henderson’s professional debut was against Melanie McIntyre at LFA 135 in July 2022. It didn’t take long for the MMA Lab fighter to secure another submission, with the fight ending in the first round with an Americana from triangle position.
After winning her first professional fight, ‘Mouse’ was signed by Bellator. She is joining the Bellator strawweight division that hasn’t had a champion since 2013. The submission specialist will make her promotional debut against Mackenzie Stiller at Bellator 293 on March 31.
Benson Henderson retires after losing at Bellator 292
Benson Henderson was hoping to accomplish his goal of becoming a Bellator champion by winning the Lightweight Grand Prix. Unfortunately for him, Usman Nurmagomedov proved why he’s the future of the division, defeating Henderson by first-round submission.
Shortly after Nurmagomedov had his hand raised, Henderson took off his gloves and announced his retirement. He later shared an emotional Instagram post that said this at the end:
“I’m sorry to my wife for not getting you that 3rd belt I promised you…I love you… Thank you to my brothers & sisters at my gym… Thank you to the greatest fans in the world, it’s been one heck of a journey over these 17 years and I appreciate all the love & support, I could not have survived in this sport without you guys…”
Henderson ended his fighting career with a 30-12 record. The Colorado native is a former UFC and WEC lightweight champion known to fight with toothpicks in his mouth. ‘Smooth’ holds wins over Donald Cerrone, Frankie Edgar x2, Nate Diaz, Gilbert Melendez, Jorge Masvidal, and Patricio Pitbull. He will never be forgotten for his contributions to MMA, including his early use of calf kicks.
Check out Benson Henderson's retirement post on Instagram below:
