Former UFC Champ Benson Henderson Signs with Bellator MMA

Benson Henderson, the former lightweight titleholder of Ultimate Fighting Championship and World Extreme Cagefighting, has found a new home at Bellator MMA.

Henderson, 32, on Monday revealed the news in a blog post on his official website.

“I’d like to officially announce my move over to Bellator MMA,” Henderson wrote. “I’m beyond excited for this next phase of my career, it’s a big move, like any move when switching employers or jobs after having worked somewhere for such a long time.”

Specifics of the signing were not mentioned in Henderson’s post, in which the fighter also thanked former UFC bosses Dana White and Lorenzo Fertitta for helping to change his life.

Henderson became a free agent after completing the final bout on his UFC contract in November, when he collected a five-round split decision over Jorge Masvidal in South Korea. UFC officials have confirmed that the promotion waived its rights to match offers for Henderson’s services.

Henderson exits the Octagon on a two-fight winning streak, with both of those victories coming at 170 pounds. It is currently unclear whether “Smooth” will remain at welterweight or return to 155 pounds, where he has held multiple world titles. His impressive 23-5 record includes wins against the likes of Frankie Edgar, Nate Diaz and Donald Cerrone.