Benson Henderson Ready for Battle in First Fight of Three-Bout Deal

Benson Henderson (30-12 MMA) has kept himself busy since initially retiring from MMA in 2023. Upon dropping a first-round submission by way of rear-naked choke in Bellator 292 to Usman Nurmagomedov, his career in combat sports took a different turn.

First up, an October 2023 grappling match versus Neiman Grace resulted in a fourth-round submission defeat before he turned his attention to the world of Karate Combat that December versus Anthony Pettis in a contest won by the latter via unanimous decision. Since the fight in Karate Combat, he's taken assignments in boxing, grappling, and most recently wrestling.

This weekend, however, MMA comes calling again. After a three-year hiatus from MMA competition, Henderson will be making the 43rd walk of his professional career and he wants to stay a while.

Benson Henderson Makes Comeback vs. Patrick Habirora Saturday in PFL Brussels Headliner

On Saturday evening, the PFL SmartCage touches down in Brussels, Belgium for PFL Brussels. In the evening's main event, Benson Henderson meets Patrick Habirora (8-0 MMA, 4-0 PFL.) With no championship belt at stake this weekend, this headlining contest is an advertised three rounds at five minutes per round.

In a recent interview with MMA Fighting, Henderson stated that this weekend's main attraction isn't going to be a one-night only performance.

"It was a three-fight deal with PFL, but I'm not itching to fight this guy or that guy," Benson Henderson explained. "I'm not looking to get another belt around my waist. I'm not looking to add anymore to that."

Benson Henderson on How Return Fight Came to Be

Henderson has remained active in the world of competitive violence in the last three years. He explained why he made the decision to return to MMA at the age of 42 after a conversation with PFL matchmaker Mike Kogan.

"He texted me, he needled me a couple of times like 'Oh, man, Henderson, guys online are talking smack, saying this, saying that'", he said. "I'm like 'People can say whatever, it's cool, no big deal.' They're saying you don't have it anymore."

Benson Henderson didn't let the criticism bother him. One exchange with Kogan changed everything, however.

"He kept needling me a couple more times and then he texted me two days later and said 'Hey, I've got a matchup for you, Patrick Habirora. Why don't you remind the world who you are, what you did, and what you can do?'", he recalled. 

Benson Henderson Locked In on Habirora in PFL Brussels Main Event

Saturday's main event in PFL Brussels is the ninth professional outing for Patrick Habirora. Although Habirora's MMA career is still in its early days, Benson Henderson isn't taking his opponent lightly.

"He's a good up-and-comer," he said of his adversary. "He has a lot of potential. I think it's a little bit early for him to fight someone of my experience level, but his coaches are very confident."

Beyond Patrick Habirora in PFL Brussels on Saturday night, Henderson mentioned he'd be ready for any fight the PFL wants to book for him. 

"If they offer me something after that, sure, no problem," he said. "I'm open to it. I like to compete."