WEC Logo
Follow

Fighter Detail


Ben Henderson  "Smooth"
Fighter Image
Born: CO, USA
Fighting Out Of: The Lab, Glendale, AZ
Age: 26
Height: 5' 9" (175 cm)
Weight: 155 lbs. (70 kg)
Overall MMA Record (W-L-D): 11-1-0
Strengths: Wrestling, good subs and ground and pound
Languages Spoken: English, Korean


Ben Henderson Photo Gallery:

Photo Gallery   Photo Gallery   Photo Gallery   Photo Gallery  

Ben Henderson WEC™ Fight History:


Result Opponent Method Event Date Round Time
Win Jamie Varner Submission (Choke) WEC® VARNER vs HENDERSON Jan-10-2010 3 2:41
Win Donald Cerrone Unanimous Decision WEC® CERRONE vs HENDERSON Oct-10-2009 5 5:00
Win Shane Roller Technical Knock Out WEC® Torres vs Mizugaki Apr-5-2009 1 1:41
Win Anthony Njokuani Submission (Choke) WEC® Varner vs Cerrone Jan-25-2009 2 0:42


Fighter Biography

Training: A typical day of training is the same as it was for Donald Cerrone. We’re focusing on some different areas for Jamie, but in the morning I get in some cardio in with my strength and conditioning coach. Then I work with my standup coaches Andy Russell and George Garcia, have a little lunch, come back with MMA practice, and then help teach classes afterwards.

 

When and why did you start training for fighting? In 2006. I was coaching at my alma mater for the wrestling team and I took a fight on a whim because my friends didn't think I would do it.

 


What ranks and titles have you held? Interim WEC Lightweight Champion, Two-Time NAIA Collegiate All-American, Black Belt in Taekwondo, and First-Degree Purple Belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu

 


Do you have any heroes? Jesus, my Mother, Clark Kent and Steve Rogers, Steve Costanzo...

 


What is your favorite technique? The winning technique...

 


What does it mean for you to fight in the WEC? It means competition, pure and simple...

 


Did you go to college and if so what degree did you earn? The Dana College in Blair, NE. Graduated with a double-major in criminal justice and sociology...

 


What was your job before you started fighting? Wrestling

 

Most memorable professional fight (who, where, why)? Has to be the WEC debut; for me that has been the biggest thing to ever happen to my fighting career.  I was in on short notice, but to fight in front of the Zuffa brass is a dream come true.

 


What was your most challenging professional fight (against who, when, what was the outcome)? I would like to say my only loss, but honestly every fight has been a challenge.  I am young and learning every day.  Every fight I make mistakes and try to learn from those mistakes and hopefully I never have to leave the Octagon wishing I had done this or that.

 


Did you compete in any other sport(s) at college or professional level (what sport, where, how long)? Taekwondo Black belt, two time NAIA Collegiate All American and a Purple belt in BJJ.

 


Who were your training partners for this fight? Chris Gruetzemacher, Charlie Brown, Victor Meza and a bunch of guys from the LAB.

 


Did you put more emphasis towards a fighting style or adjust your training to prepare for your opponent (what did you do differently/why)?  We’re going to pay attention to his armbar triangle and the other things he brings to the table. But I’m more concerned with what I’ve got to do in the fight.

 


What, other than WINNING, are you using for motivation for the fight? I want to be the best. Jamie is the champ, I want the belt, and I’m gonna go get it.

 


What is your favorite thing about this sport? The fact that you may never figure it out.  It’s like a never ending puzzle and it keeps my mind and body very focused on learning and experiencing all that I can.

 


How long do you see yourself staying in this sport? I would like to be the first fighter to have won a WEC belt and a UFC belt, so however long that might take!

 

Official website