Benson Henderson is set to return to MMA for his first fight in three years. He retired from MMA in 2023 but remained active in other combat sports. The 42-year-old veteran is scheduled to face Patrick Habirora in Brussels.
Kogan’s Persuasion Spurs Henderson’s Return
Henderson was initially hesitant about returning until Mike Kogan approached him. Kogan is now the head matchmaker for PFL. Henderson said Kogan needled him a few times about people online talking smack. He mentioned that people were saying Henderson didn’t have it anymore.
Kogan also brought up Henderson’s jiu-jitsu match and boxing results, as well as his Karate Combat loss. Henderson initially brushed off the comments, stating that people are allowed to have their opinion. Kogan texted Henderson two days later with a matchup against Patrick Habirora, suggesting he remind the world who he is and what he can do. Henderson agreed, deciding to remind the world who he is.
Staying Active During Retirement
Henderson inked the deal for the main event matchup. He was always coaching at his gym, The MMA Lab in Arizona. He stayed active with other competitions.
Henderson said that since the day he retired, he was back in the gym the next week, training again. He added that The MMA Lab’s whole thing is being the hardest working gym in the world. Henderson said that they are always right back in the gym on Monday working to get better, win or lose. He stated that he never stopped training.
Henderson is just days away from his main event spot at PFL Brussels.