Benson Henderson isn’t officially a free agent, as there’s an exclusive negotiation period with the UFC after he completed his contract at UFC Fight Night 79, but there’s at least one organization ready to make a significant offer to him.
In a brief statement made to MMAJunkie.com, Korea’s ROAD FC organization is making their interest in Henderson clear.
“Benson Henderson put on an amazing performance in Seoul,” ROAD FC General Manager Mark Lee said. “ROAD FC is aware he would like to test his upcoming free agency. We are interested in discussing a contract with Mr. Henderson for $200,000.”
Henderson, the former UFC Lightweight Champion, defeated Jorge Masvidal in a welterweight bout in the main event of last Saturday’s UFC Fight Night 79 event in Seoul. The half-Korean fighter said after the event he wanted to test the market, but the UFC may not let him get to that point.
Penick’s Analysis: That’s a legitimate offer, but Henderson could probably get more from the UFC or Bellator, the latter especially with free reign over sponsorships. Of course, if the UFC comes to him with something much more significant, then it may not matter. Henderson’s deserving of a major pay bump; he’s been utilized as a headliner throughout much of his time in the organization, and like many veterans has been underpaid for his services. The UFC can pay more overall to a lot more fighters, and Henderson is one of those who should be taken care of on that front.
[Ben Henderson art by Grant Gould (c) MMATorch.com]
Leave a Reply