1. Overview
Benson Henderson (born November 16, 1983) is an American former professional mixed martial arts (MMA) athlete. Widely regarded as one of the greatest lightweight fighters of all time, Henderson is a former UFC Lightweight Champion and WEC Lightweight Champion. His career spanned multiple prominent organizations including World Extreme Cagefighting (WEC), Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC), and Bellator MMA, where he notably held championship titles in two different promotions. Henderson's career is marked by his distinctive fighting style, known for its tenacity and well-rounded skill set, as well as his strong personal values and connection to his heritage. Following his retirement from active MMA competition, he has continued his involvement in combat sports by signing with the Global Fight League.
2. Early Life and Background
Benson Henderson's early life and background were shaped by his diverse heritage and foundational experiences in martial arts and education.
2.1. Childhood, Family, and Education
Benson Henderson was born on November 16, 1983, in Colorado Springs, Colorado, to a Korean mother, Song Kim Sung-hwa, and an African American father who was a former US military serviceman. His parents later divorced due to his father's drug addiction, leading his mother to raise Benson and his older brother, Julius (who was born in Korea), in Federal Way, Washington. His mother encouraged him to pursue Taekwondo from a young age to connect with their Korean culture and traditions.
Henderson attended Decatur High School from 1998 to 2001, where he joined the wrestling team. After graduating, he enrolled at Dana College in Blair, Nebraska, earning a double major in criminal justice and sociology in 2006. During his time at Dana College, Henderson was a member of the collegiate wrestling team and was twice recognized as an NAIA All-American. He initially considered a career as a police officer but ultimately pursued mixed martial arts after a friend challenged him to a fight.
2.2. Early Martial Arts Training
Henderson began his martial arts journey at approximately nine years old when his mother insisted he and his brother take Taekwondo lessons. This early exposure to the traditional Korean martial art led both brothers to achieve black belts. Later, during high school, he transitioned to wrestling, which further developed his grappling skills. After college, he began training in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu under John Crouch, a disciple of Royce Gracie, quickly advancing his skills in the discipline.
3. Mixed Martial Arts Career
Benson Henderson's professional mixed martial arts career spanned over 17 years, during which he became a champion in two major promotions and competed across multiple weight classes.
3.1. Professional Debut and Early Fights
Henderson made his professional MMA debut in 2006, securing a victory against Dan Gregary via technical knockout. His third professional fight resulted in his first defeat, a technical submission loss to Rocky Johnson in a catchweight bout at 160 lb (160 lb). Despite this setback, Henderson quickly recovered, winning his next four fights consecutively. He then faced UFC veteran Diego Saraiva, dominating the fight for three rounds to secure his seventh professional win by unanimous decision.
3.2. World Extreme Cagefighting (WEC)
Henderson debuted in World Extreme Cagefighting (WEC) on January 25, 2009, at WEC 38, where he defeated Anthony Njokuani with a guillotine choke in the second round. He continued his winning streak by defeating Shane Roller via first-round TKO at WEC 40 on April 5, 2009.
3.2.1. WEC Lightweight Championship
Henderson earned an opportunity to fight for the Interim WEC Lightweight Championship against Donald Cerrone at WEC 43 on October 10, 2009, after the reigning champion, Jamie Varner, was sidelined due to injury. Henderson won an exciting back-and-forth contest by unanimous decision, with both fighters receiving "Fight of the Night" honors and a bonus of 20.00 K USD. This bout was also recognized as the "2009 Fight of the Year" by Sherdog.com.
To unify the WEC Lightweight Championship, Henderson faced Jamie Varner at WEC 46 on January 10, 2010. After being outboxed and outwrestled in the first two rounds, Henderson rallied, catching Varner in a standing guillotine choke to secure the submission victory in the third round and become the undisputed WEC Lightweight Champion.
His first title defense was a rematch against Donald Cerrone at WEC 48 on April 24, 2010. Henderson again defeated Cerrone, this time via guillotine choke in the first round, earning him a "Submission of the Night" bonus award.
Henderson then faced Anthony Pettis at WEC 53 on December 16, 2010. He lost his title by unanimous decision in a highly anticipated fight, which famously featured Pettis's "Showtime Kick" off the cage. The bout was also recognized as "Fight of the Night."
3.3. Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC)
In October 2010, the World Extreme Cagefighting promotion merged with the Ultimate Fighting Championship, leading to the transfer of all WEC fighters, including Henderson, to the UFC roster.
Henderson made his UFC debut at UFC 129 on April 30, 2011, where he defeated Mark Bocek via unanimous decision. He then faced Jim Miller at UFC on Versus 5 on August 14, 2011. Henderson dominated the fight, utilizing a stiff jab, excellent transitions, and vicious ground and pound to snap Miller's seven-fight winning streak. He secured a unanimous decision victory (30-27, 29-28, 30-26).
On November 12, 2011, Henderson faced Clay Guida at UFC on Fox 1. He won the action-packed contest by unanimous decision after three rounds, earning both fighters "Fight of the Night" honors. With this victory, Henderson became the number one contender for the UFC Lightweight title.
3.3.1. UFC Lightweight Championship
Henderson challenged Frankie Edgar for the UFC Lightweight Championship at UFC 144 in Saitama, Japan, on February 26, 2012. He defeated Edgar via unanimous decision to become the new UFC Lightweight Champion, with both participants once again earning "Fight of the Night" honors.
A highly anticipated rematch with Edgar took place at UFC 150 on August 11, 2012. In a very tightly contested bout, Henderson once again defeated Edgar, this time via split decision, successfully defending his title.
Henderson faced Nate Diaz on December 8, 2012, at UFC on Fox 5. Henderson dominated Diaz with effective kicks, superior wrestling, and ground and pound, knocking him down twice and securing his back on numerous occasions. He earned a unanimous decision victory, marking his second successful title defense.
On April 20, 2013, Henderson defended his title against the final Strikeforce Lightweight Champion, Gilbert Melendez, at UFC on Fox 7. Henderson won the fight by a closely contested split decision, achieving his third consecutive title defense, which tied him with B.J. Penn for the highest number of lightweight title defenses in UFC history at that time. Following this victory, Henderson famously proposed to his fiancée in the Octagon.
3.3.2. Post-Championship and Weight Class Changes
Henderson was scheduled to defend his title against T. J. Grant at UFC 164 on August 31, 2013. However, Grant withdrew due to injury, leading to a rematch with Anthony Pettis, who had previously defeated Henderson for the WEC Lightweight Championship. Pettis defeated Henderson via submission (armbar) in the first round, marking the second time Henderson lost a championship belt to Pettis.
In his first fight after losing the UFC title, Henderson faced Josh Thomson at UFC on Fox 10 on January 25, 2014. Henderson secured a split decision victory in a controversial bout, with many media outlets and observers divided on the outcome. Despite Thomson having more takedowns and back control, Henderson significantly outstruck him and secured the only submission attempt of the fight.
Henderson headlined UFC Fight Night: Henderson vs. Khabilov on June 7, 2014, against Rustam Khabilov. He won the fight via rear-naked choke submission in the fourth round, earning his first "Performance of the Night" bonus award.
He then headlined UFC Fight Night 49 against Rafael dos Anjos on August 23, 2014, where he suffered a first-round knockout loss.
Henderson was initially scheduled to fight Eddie Alvarez at UFC Fight Night 59 on January 18, 2015, but Alvarez withdrew due to illness and was replaced by Donald Cerrone. Henderson lost the rematch via a controversial unanimous decision, with 12 out of 14 media outlets scoring the bout in his favor.
Following this, Henderson moved up to the welterweight division, facing Brandon Thatch at UFC Fight Night 60 on February 14, 2015, as a last-minute replacement for an injured Stephen Thompson. Henderson won the back-and-forth fight via submission in the fourth round, earning "Fight of the Night" honors.
Henderson was next expected to face Thiago Alves on November 28, 2015, at UFC Fight Night 79 in Seoul, South Korea. Alves pulled out due to injury, and Henderson fought Jorge Masvidal instead. Henderson won the closely contested fight via split decision.
3.4. Bellator MMA
On February 1, 2016, Benson Henderson announced his signing with Bellator MMA. For his promotional debut, he immediately challenged Andrey Koreshkov for the Bellator Welterweight Championship at Bellator 153 on April 22, 2016. Henderson lost the fight by unanimous decision.
3.4.1. Title Contention and Championship Bouts
Henderson made his return to the lightweight division for his second fight with Bellator, facing Patrício Pitbull in the main event at Bellator 160 on August 26, 2016. The bout ended in the second round when Pitbull sustained a leg injury, resulting in a TKO victory for Henderson and earning him a shot at the lightweight title.
On November 19, 2016, Henderson challenged Michael Chandler for the Bellator Lightweight Championship at Bellator 165. In another closely fought contest, Henderson lost the bout via split decision.
3.4.2. Later Fight Activity
Following his title attempts, Henderson faced Patricky Pitbull at Bellator 183 on September 23, 2017, losing by split decision. He then secured a submission victory over returning Bellator veteran Roger Huerta in the main event of Bellator 196 on April 6, 2018. On October 13, 2018, Henderson defeated Saad Awad by unanimous decision at Bellator 208. In November 2018, Bellator announced that Henderson had signed a new multi-fight contract with the promotion.
Henderson continued his winning streak by defeating Adam Piccolotti via split decision at Bellator 220 on April 27, 2019, though 8 out of 9 media outlets scored the fight for Piccolotti. He then headlined Bellator 227 on September 27, 2019, against Myles Jury, winning by unanimous decision.
A rematch against Michael Chandler was initially scheduled for Bellator & Rizin: Japan on December 29, 2019, but Henderson was forced to withdraw due to injury. The rematch was rescheduled for Bellator 244 on June 6, 2020, but was postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The fight finally took place at Bellator 243 on August 7, 2020, where Henderson suffered a first-round knockout loss to Chandler.
He then moved back up to welterweight to face Jason Jackson at Bellator 253 on November 19, 2020. Jackson controlled the majority of the fight, handing Henderson a unanimous decision loss in an upset victory. Henderson subsequently lost to Brent Primus via unanimous decision at Bellator 268 on October 16, 2021.
On January 29, 2022, Henderson faced Islam Mamedov at Bellator 273, winning a back-and-forth split decision that ended his three-fight losing streak and marked the final fight on his previous contract. Despite uncertainty about his future, Henderson signed a new multi-fight contract with Bellator on March 23, 2022. He then defeated Peter Queally by unanimous decision at Bellator 285 on September 23, 2022, despite being deducted one point in the second round for a groin strike.
3.4.3. Lightweight Grand Prix
Henderson was announced as one of the participants in the Bellator Lightweight World Grand Prix tournament. In the quarterfinals, he challenged the reigning champion Usman Nurmagomedov for the Bellator Lightweight World Championship at Bellator 292 on March 10, 2023. He lost the fight via rear-naked choke submission in the first round.
3.5. MMA Retirement
Immediately following his loss to Usman Nurmagomedov at Bellator 292 on March 10, 2023, Benson Henderson officially announced his retirement from professional mixed martial arts during his post-fight interview.
3.6. Post-Retirement Activities
On December 11, 2024, it was announced that Benson Henderson had signed with the Global Fight League, indicating his continued involvement in combat sports outside of active competition.
4. Other Combat Sports Activities
In addition to his storied mixed martial arts career, Benson Henderson has participated in various other combat sports disciplines, showcasing his diverse skill set.
4.1. Professional Grappling
Henderson has an active career in professional submission grappling. On December 16, 2021, he competed against fellow MMA veteran Ben Saunders in a superfight at UFC Fight Pass Invitational 1, winning the match by unanimous decision. He later headlined Polaris 20 on June 25, 2022, facing Demian Maia, but lost the match by unanimous decision.
On August 5, 2023, Henderson entered the ADCC Arizona Open, where he achieved a 3-1 record in the 83 kg division. He also competed in a welterweight no-gi match against Neiman Gracie as the main event of ADXC 1 on October 20, 2023, losing by submission. Henderson holds a black belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, which he received from John Crouch in June 2013.
4.2. Professional Boxing
Henderson made his professional boxing debut on September 14, 2024, as part of a tournament hosted by Stake on the MF & DAZN: X Series 18 - Stake Pro Tournament Card in Newcastle upon Tyne, England. He faced American mixed martial artist Chris Avila in the semifinals, winning by unanimous decision and advancing to the finals. In the co-main event final, Henderson was defeated by English professional boxer Idris Virgo via unanimous decision.
4.3. Karate Combat
Henderson also ventured into Karate Combat, competing at Karate Combat 43 on December 15, 2023, where he faced Anthony Pettis in a rematch of their iconic WEC and UFC bouts. Henderson lost the fight by unanimous decision after three rounds.
5. Personal Life and Characteristics
Benson Henderson is known for his disciplined personal life, strong family values, and deep connection to his faith and cultural heritage.
5.1. Family and Lifestyle
Henderson is married to Maria Henderson, and they have three sons, Kyung Abel, Kub, and Koah, and a daughter. He proposed to Maria inside the Octagon after his victory over Gilbert Melendez at UFC on Fox 7 in 2013. Henderson is a teetotaler, having never consumed alcohol or drugs in his life. He maintains a highly disciplined lifestyle, often training four times a day for three to four days a week and eating eight meals on those days. He abstains from supplements, preferring natural food intake.
5.2. Religious Beliefs and Social Impact
Henderson is a devout Christian and frequently references his faith in post-fight interviews, demonstrating its profound influence on his personal conduct and public image. His commitment to his beliefs, promoting values of integrity and discipline, has earned him admiration. His theme song, "Awesome God" by R-Swift, reflects his spiritual dedication. Henderson once remarked that by people seeing his disciplined choices, like abstaining from alcohol and drugs, it affects them more than merely speaking about it.
5.3. Korean Heritage and Cultural Influence
Benson Henderson proudly embraces his Korean heritage, inherited from his mother, Song Kim Sung-hwa. He has a strong affinity for Korean culture, which he actively expresses. He speaks some Korean and is known for ending interviews with phrases like "Korean fans, I love you very much. Mother, I love you" in Korean. He has several tattoos in Korean, including the words '전사' (전사jeonsa, warriorKorean), '힘' (힘him, strengthKorean), and '명예' (명예myeongye, honorKorean) on his side.
His love for Korean cuisine is evident, with kimchi and bulgogi being among his favorite foods; he often shares photos of himself enjoying Korean dishes on social media. Due to his deep respect and devotion to his mother, particularly for raising him as a single parent, he is affectionately known as the "filial piety fighter" in Korea. He also chose a Korean name for his son, "Kyung Abel Henderson," incorporating the Korean character for respect (敬). Henderson also served as the main eventer for the UFC's inaugural event in South Korea.
6. Championships and Accomplishments
Benson Henderson has accumulated numerous titles, awards, and recognitions across his career in mixed martial arts and other combat sports.
6.1. Mixed Martial Arts
- Ultimate Fighting Championship
20x20px UFC Lightweight Championship (One time; former)
- Three successful title defenses
- Tied (B.J. Penn, Frankie Edgar, and Khabib Nurmagomedov) for the second most consecutive Lightweight title defenses in UFC history (3)
20x20px Unified the UFC Lightweight and Strikeforce Lightweight Championships
- Fight of the Night (Three times) vs. Clay Guida, Frankie Edgar (1st bout), and Brandon Thatch
- Performance of the Night (One time) vs. Rustam Khabilov
- UFC.com Awards
- 2011: Ranked #2 Import of the Year, Ranked #5 Fighter of the Year, Ranked #3 Fight of the Year vs. Clay Guida
- 2012: Fighter of the Year, Ranked #4 Fight of the Year vs. Frankie Edgar (1st bout)
- World Extreme Cagefighting
20x20px WEC Lightweight Championship (One time; former)
- One successful title defense
20x20px Interim WEC Lightweight Championship (One time; former)
- Fight of the Night (Two times) vs. Donald Cerrone and Anthony Pettis
- Submission of the Night (One time) vs. Donald Cerrone
- ESPN
- 2012 Fighter of the Year
- 2012 Fight of the Year vs. Frankie Edgar at UFC 144
- 2015 Best Fight of the Half-Year vs. Brandon Thatch
- Inside MMA
- 2012 Fighter of the Year Bazzie Award
- MMAWeekly.com
- 2012 Fighter of the Year
- FightMatrix.com
- 2012 Fighter of the Year
- MMAFighting.com
- 2010 Fight of the Year vs. Anthony Pettis on December 16
- 2009 Fight of the Year vs. Donald Cerrone on October 10
- USA Today
- 2010 Fight of the Year vs. Anthony Pettis on December 16
- Sports Illustrated
- 2009 Fight of the Year vs. Donald Cerrone on October 10
- Sherdog
- 2012 Fighter of the Year
- 2009 Fight of the Year vs. Donald Cerrone on October 10
6.2. Submission Grappling
- International Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Federation
- 2011 World Jiu-Jitsu Championship Brown Belt Bronze Medalist
- 2014 World Jiu Jitsu No-Gi Championship Black Belt Bronze Medalist
- Arizona State Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Federation
- AZSBJJF MVP of the Year (2010)
- Arizona State Championship Brown Belt Middleweight Gold Medalist (Two times)
- Arizona State Championship Purple Belt Middleweight Gold Medalist (Two times)
- Arizona State Championship Openweight Gold Medalist (Three times)
- Black belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu
6.3. Amateur Wrestling
- National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics
- NAIA All-American (2005, 2006)
- Washington Interscholastic Activities Association
- WIAA 4A High School State Championship Runner-up (2001)
- WIAA 4A All-State (2001)
7. Fight Record
7.1. Professional Mixed Martial Arts Record
| Res. | Record | Opponent | Method | Event | Date | Round | Time | Location | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Loss | 30-12 | Usman Nurmagomedov | Submission (rear-naked choke) | Bellator 292 | March 10, 2023 | 1 | 2:37 | San Jose, California, United States | Bellator Lightweight World Grand Prix Quarterfinal. For the Bellator Lightweight World Championship. |
| Win | 30-11 | Peter Queally | Decision (unanimous) | Bellator 285 | September 23, 2022 | 5 | 5:00 | Dublin, Ireland | Henderson was deducted one point in round 2 due to a groin strike. |
| Win | 29-11 | Islam Mamedov | Decision (split) | Bellator 273 | January 29, 2022 | 3 | 5:00 | Phoenix, Arizona, United States | |
| Loss | 28-11 | Brent Primus | Decision (unanimous) | Bellator 268 | October 16, 2021 | 3 | 5:00 | Phoenix, Arizona, United States | |
| Loss | 28-10 | Jason Jackson | Decision (unanimous) | Bellator 253 | November 19, 2020 | 3 | 5:00 | Uncasville, Connecticut, United States | Welterweight bout. |
| Loss | 28-9 | Michael Chandler | KO (punches) | Bellator 243 | August 7, 2020 | 1 | 2:09 | Uncasville, Connecticut, United States | |
| Win | 28-8 | Myles Jury | Decision (unanimous) | Bellator 227 | September 27, 2019 | 3 | 5:00 | Dublin, Ireland | |
| Win | 27-8 | Adam Piccolotti | Decision (split) | Bellator 220 | April 27, 2019 | 3 | 5:00 | San Jose, California, United States | |
| Win | 26-8 | Saad Awad | Decision (unanimous) | Bellator 208 | October 13, 2018 | 3 | 5:00 | Uniondale, New York, United States | |
| Win | 25-8 | Roger Huerta | Submission (guillotine choke) | Bellator 196 | April 6, 2018 | 2 | 0:49 | Budapest, Hungary | |
| Loss | 24-8 | Patricky Pitbull | Decision (split) | Bellator 183 | September 23, 2017 | 3 | 5:00 | San Jose, California, United States | |
| Loss | 24-7 | Michael Chandler | Decision (split) | Bellator 165 | November 19, 2016 | 5 | 5:00 | San Jose, California, United States | For the Bellator Lightweight World Championship. |
| Win | 24-6 | Patrício Pitbull | TKO (leg injury) | Bellator 160 | August 26, 2016 | 2 | 2:26 | Anaheim, California, United States | Return to Lightweight. |
| Loss | 23-6 | Andrey Koreshkov | Decision (unanimous) | Bellator 153 | April 22, 2016 | 5 | 5:00 | Uncasville, Connecticut, United States | For the Bellator Welterweight World Championship. |
| Win | 23-5 | Jorge Masvidal | Decision (split) | UFC Fight Night: Henderson vs. Masvidal | November 28, 2015 | 5 | 5:00 | Seoul, South Korea | |
| Win | 22-5 | Brandon Thatch | Submission (rear-naked choke) | UFC Fight Night: Henderson vs. Thatch | February 14, 2015 | 4 | 3:58 | Broomfield, Colorado, United States | Welterweight debut. Fight of the Night. |
| Loss | 21-5 | Donald Cerrone | Decision (unanimous) | UFC Fight Night: McGregor vs. Siver | January 18, 2015 | 3 | 5:00 | Boston, Massachusetts, United States | |
| Loss | 21-4 | Rafael dos Anjos | KO (punch) | UFC Fight Night: Henderson vs. dos Anjos | August 23, 2014 | 1 | 2:31 | Tulsa, Oklahoma, United States | |
| Win | 21-3 | Rustam Khabilov | Submission (rear-naked choke) | UFC Fight Night: Henderson vs. Khabilov | June 7, 2014 | 4 | 1:16 | Albuquerque, New Mexico, United States | Performance of the Night. |
| Win | 20-3 | Josh Thomson | Decision (split) | UFC on Fox: Henderson vs. Thomson | January 25, 2014 | 5 | 5:00 | Chicago, Illinois, United States | |
| Loss | 19-3 | Anthony Pettis | Submission (armbar) | UFC 164 | August 31, 2013 | 1 | 4:31 | Milwaukee, Wisconsin, United States | Lost the UFC Lightweight Championship. |
| Win | 19-2 | Gilbert Melendez | Decision (split) | UFC on Fox: Henderson vs. Melendez | April 20, 2013 | 5 | 5:00 | San Jose, California, United States | Defended the UFC Lightweight Championship. |
| Win | 18-2 | Nate Diaz | Decision (unanimous) | UFC on Fox: Henderson vs. Diaz | December 8, 2012 | 5 | 5:00 | Seattle, Washington, United States | Defended the UFC Lightweight Championship. |
| Win | 17-2 | Frankie Edgar | Decision (split) | UFC 150 | August 11, 2012 | 5 | 5:00 | Denver, Colorado, United States | Defended the UFC Lightweight Championship. |
| Win | 16-2 | Frankie Edgar | Decision (unanimous) | UFC 144 | February 26, 2012 | 5 | 5:00 | Saitama, Japan | Won the UFC Lightweight Championship. Fight of the Night. |
| Win | 15-2 | Clay Guida | Decision (unanimous) | UFC on Fox: Velasquez vs. dos Santos | November 12, 2011 | 3 | 5:00 | Anaheim, California, United States | UFC Lightweight title eliminator. Fight of the Night. |
| Win | 14-2 | Jim Miller | Decision (unanimous) | UFC Live: Hardy vs. Lytle | August 14, 2011 | 3 | 5:00 | Milwaukee, Wisconsin, United States | |
| Win | 13-2 | Mark Bocek | Decision (unanimous) | UFC 129 | April 30, 2011 | 3 | 5:00 | Toronto, Ontario, Canada | |
| Loss | 12-2 | Anthony Pettis | Decision (unanimous) | WEC 53 | December 16, 2010 | 5 | 5:00 | Glendale, Arizona, United States | Lost the WEC Lightweight Championship. Fight of the Night. |
| Win | 12-1 | Donald Cerrone | Submission (guillotine choke) | WEC 48 | April 24, 2010 | 1 | 1:57 | Sacramento, California, United States | Defended the WEC Lightweight Championship. Submission of the Night. |
| Win | 11-1 | Jamie Varner | Submission (guillotine choke) | WEC 46 | January 10, 2010 | 3 | 2:41 | Sacramento, California, United States | Won and unified the WEC Lightweight Championship. |
| Win | 10-1 | Donald Cerrone | Decision (unanimous) | WEC 43 | October 10, 2009 | 5 | 5:00 | San Antonio, Texas, United States | Won the interim WEC Lightweight Championship. Fight of the Night. |
| Win | 9-1 | Shane Roller | TKO (punches) | WEC 40 | April 5, 2009 | 1 | 1:41 | Chicago, Illinois, United States | |
| Win | 8-1 | Anthony Njokuani | Submission (guillotine choke) | WEC 38 | January 25, 2009 | 2 | 0:42 | San Diego, California, United States | |
| Win | 7-1 | Diego Saraiva | Decision (unanimous) | Evolution MMA 1 | October 4, 2008 | 3 | 5:00 | Phoenix, Arizona, United States | |
| Win | 6-1 | Ricardo Tirloni | Submission (guillotine choke) | MFC 17 | July 25, 2008 | 2 | 3:49 | Edmonton, Alberta, Canada | |
| Win | 5-1 | Mike Maestas | Submission (rear-naked choke) | MFC 16 | May 9, 2008 | 3 | 4:11 | Edmonton, Alberta, Canada | |
| Win | 4-1 | Bryan Corley | Submission (rear-naked choke) | Victory FC 21 | December 7, 2007 | 1 | 2:36 | Council Bluffs, Iowa, United States | |
| Win | 3-1 | David Dagloria | TKO (submission to punches) | Ultimate Combat Experience: Round 26: Episode 12 | June 23, 2007 | 1 | 1:45 | Ogden, Utah, United States | |
| Loss | 2-1 | Rocky Johnson | Technical Submission (anaconda choke) | Battlequest 5 | March 31, 2007 | 1 | 0:46 | Vail, Colorado, United States | Catchweight (160 lb (160 lb)) bout. |
| Win | 2-0 | Allen Williams | TKO (punches) | Victory FC 18 | February 16, 2007 | 1 | 1:37 | Council Bluffs, Iowa, United States | |
| Win | 1-0 | Dan Gregary | TKO (submission to punches) | Midwest CF: Genesis | November 18, 2006 | 1 | 4:21 | North Platte, Nebraska, United States |
7.2. Amateur Mixed Martial Arts Record
| Res. | Opponent | Method | Event | Date | Round | Time | Location | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Loss | Chad Klingensmith | TKO (punches) | Ring of Fire 27: Collision Course | December 9, 2006 | 2 | 1:47 | Broomfield, Colorado, United States |
7.3. Professional Grappling Record
| Res. | Record | Opponent | Method | Event | Date | Round | Time | Location | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Loss | 3-3 | Neiman Gracie | Submission | ADXC 1 | October 20, 2023 | 1 | 3:00 | Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates | Welterweight no-gi match. |
| Loss | 3-2 | Demian Maia | Decision (unanimous) | Polaris 20 | June 25, 2022 | 1 | 15:00 | Poole, England | |
| Win | 3-1 | Ben Saunders | Decision (unanimous) | UFC Fight Pass Invitational 1 | December 16, 2021 | 1 | 10:00 | Las Vegas, Nevada, United States | |
| Loss | 2-1 | Marcelo Mafra | Decision (points) (2-4) | World No-Gi Jiu-Jitsu Championship | October 4, 2014 | - | - | Long Beach, California, United States | Middleweight Semifinal. |
| Win | 2-0 | Romulo Cavalcante | Decision (points) | World No-Gi Jiu-Jitsu Championship | October 4, 2014 | - | - | Long Beach, California, United States | Middleweight Second Round. |
| Win | 1-0 | Leo Iturralde | Decision (points) | World No-Gi Jiu-Jitsu Championship | October 4, 2014 | - | - | Long Beach, California, United States | Middleweight First Round. |
| Loss | 0-1 | Otavio Souza | Submission (armbar) | ADCC Worlds 2013 | October 19, 2013 | 1 | - | Beijing, China | Under 170 lb (77 kg) division. |
| Win | 0-0 | Leonardo Nogueira | Decision (points) | ADCC Worlds 2013 | October 19, 2013 | 1 | - | Beijing, China | Under 170 lb (77 kg) division. |
7.4. Professional Boxing Record
| No. | Result | Record | Opponent | Type | Round, time | Date | Location | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2 | Loss | 1-1 | Idris Virgo | UD | 5 | September 14, 2024 | Vertu Motors Arena, Newcastle upon Tyne, England | MF-Professional bout; Stake Pro Tournament Final |
| 1 | Win | 1-0 | Chris Avila | UD | 5 | MF-Professional bout; Stake Pro Tournament Semifinal |
7.5. Karate Combat Record
| Res. | Record | Opponent | Method | Event | Date | Round | Time | Location | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Loss | 0-1 | Anthony Pettis | Decision (unanimous) | Karate Combat 43 | December 15, 2023 | 3 | 3:00 | Las Vegas, Nevada, United States |
8. Pay-per-view Bouts
| No. | Event | Fight | Venue | City | PPV Buys |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | UFC 144 | Edgar vs. Henderson | Saitama Super Arena | Saitama, Japan | 375,000 |
| 2. | UFC 150 | Henderson vs. Edgar 2 | Pepsi Center | Denver, Colorado | 190,000 |
| 3. | UFC 164 | Henderson vs. Pettis 2 | BMO Harris Bradley Center | Milwaukee, Wisconsin | 270,000 |