Former UFC lightweight champion Benson Henderson (21-4), who defended his belt four times before losing it by submission to Anthony Pettis last year, may have one more fight left in him at lightweight. His goal is to win it to get rid of a chip on his shoulder before his run at welterweight.
According to an interview with MMA Fighting’s Ariel Helwani, Benson’s coach John Crouch revealed that his fighter wants one more fight at 155 pounds and then move up to 170 pounds, the former home of retired welterweight champion Georges St-Pierre. Apparently, Henderson doesn’t want to move up immediately because he won’t leave the lightweight division on a loss. After a two-fight UFC win streak, Henderson was defeated in August by knockout in the first round by underdog Rafael dos Anjos at UFC Fight Night 49.
Crouch said that weight cutting is also an issue for Henderson:
He would like to see what it feels like to not cut weight. The weight cut is irritating for him.
At age 33, Henderson wants to compete professionally in the UFC for two more years, which should give him enough time to move up in ranks at welterweight and possibly get a title shot.
