'It was only a matter of time'…Benson Henderson reacts as Islam Makhachev looks set to topple his 11-year UFC title defence record
13/09/2024 15:55
Former UFC lightweight champion Benson Henderson has been one of five fighters to hold the record for title defences since 2013.
Henderson’s win over Gilbert Melendez at UFC on Fox 7 in April of 2013 saw him join Frankie Edgar and BJ Penn in the list of people who had defended the 155lb belt three times. And at UFC 302 in June, Islam Makhachev joined their ranks as he defeated Dustin Poirier in New Jersey.
Now, Makhachev looks set to rematch Arman Tsarukyan in a potentially record-breaking fourth defence of his belt. The Russian has already beaten his rival once before, and would be favored in the second fight whenever it takes place.
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Benson Henderson praises Islam Makhachev as he pushes towards record-breaking title fight
Henderson’s third defence in 2013 was the final time that someone hit the record until 2020, when Makhachev’s mentor Khabib Nurmagomedov defeated Justin Gaethje. However, before he could win once more, Khabib retired due to family issues.
There is also dispute over Khabib’s first ‘defence’ against Conor McGregor in 2018, after winning the vacant belt against the lowly-ranked Al Iaquinta in a short-notice fight earlier that year. Regardless, he has left the task of filling his shoes to Makhachev.
His protege just needs to repeat his previous effort against Arman Tsarukyan in order to break the record that was first set in 2009.
Henderson wasn’t aware that his record was in jeopardy when asked about in an exclusive chat with Bloody Elbow this week. “The record right now is myself, Frankie and BJ,” he noted. “We each have three each.
“It was only a matter of time before someone was going to beat it, so if it’s Makhachev? Good for him.” When he was informed that Tsarukyan was his next opponent, the former champion joked: “He’s fighting a guy he’s already beat? He has it, he’s locked in!
“Good for him, it’s awesome and look, he still has to fight. Even if you’ve beaten somebody once before you still have to do your due diligence to get your hands raised. But it looks like he’s going to win and break the record? Awesome, that is great.”
Benson Henderson heaps praise on Islam Makhachev for lightweight title consistency
The life of a UFC champion can be a difficult one to maintain outside of the octagon, with many fighters being tempted by a flashy lifestyle once they get the belt. But the likes of Henderson and Makhachev managed to stave off the glitz and glamour in favor of knuckling down in training and defending regularly.
“I’m happy for him,” Henderson continued. “I know it takes a lot of hard work to get to that point. Not just the amount of hard work that is required to win the belt, but to stay mentally focused in that timeframe and not get easily distracted.
“You can get caught up with partying, with this or that, so it takes a lot of hard work. My hat is off to him, it’s awesome and if he breaks the record, that will be great for him.”
Benson Henderson set for Misfits Boxing debut
Henderson retired from MMA competition after losing to Usman Nurmagomedov in March of last year, and has since tried out grappling and Karate Combat. Now, he turns his hands to Misfits Boxing, where he competes in tomorrow night’s Stake pro tournament.
He will face Chris Avila early in the night, with the winner moving on in a one-night bracket to face the winner of Idris Virgo vs Fes Batista. “This is for old school tough guys,” Henderson noted. “The same night, one night tournament like UFC 1.
“I loved that and I thought it was the biggest, ballsiest, most awesome thing of all time. When Misfits said that I actually was like ‘I always wanted to do a one-night tournament’. My brother David Michaud did one with the PFL and that was the coolest thing ever, I was like ‘David, you’re the man’.
“I wanted to do a tournament like him and now I’ve got my chance. So it’s not just that I get to do boxing, but I get to participate in the sweet science and compete in a one-night tournament to prove how tough I am. I love it.”
