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Ben Henderson

Benson Henderson

TRAINING: A typical day of training for this fight camp has been strength and conditioning in the morning with Jarrett Aki then off for a few hours for lunch. Then MMA class from 3pm-5pm, depending on which day it is we alternate between BJJ/grappling class and stand-up/Muay Thai class. I'll have private sessions with my Muay Thai coach Andy Russell and my boxing coach George Garcia. John Crouch is my head trainer and oversees all of my camp and is my BJJ instructor; Rick Roufus is our head stand-up instructor.

When and why did you start training for fighting? In 2006. I was coaching at my alma mater for the wrestling team and I took a fight on a whim because my friends didn't think I would do it.

What ranks and titles have you held? Former WEC Lightweight Champion, Two-Time NAIA Collegiate All-American wrestler, Black Belt in Taekwondo, and Brown Belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu

Do you have any heroes? Jesus, my Mother, Clark Kent and Steve Rogers, Steve Costanzo...

What is your favorite technique? The winning technique...

What does it mean for you to fight in the UFC? It means a lot. To fight in the UFC is a lot of validation for taking a crazy, wild ride of a career rather than doing a typical career. It validates that I picked a good career and that I’m progressing the way that I want to progress and that I’m working my way toward the top.

Did you go to college and if so what degree did you earn? The Dana College in Blair, NE. Graduated with a double-major in criminal justice and sociology...

What was your job before you started fighting? Wrestling