Throughout a professional career that has spanned well over a decade and runs a through line straight into the teeth of the most competitive divisions in the WEC, UFC and Bellator, Benson Henderson has gotten fairly used to having his hand raised. It is as much a part of his identity as his signature flowing locks and omnipresent toothpick. But recent days have at least threatened his reputation as an inveterate winner. Since arriving in Bellator as a lauded free-agent signee, Henderson has suffered some uncharacteristic struggles, losing three out of four, including two straight split-decisions.
It was a desire to put those hard times behind him while moving back toward title contention that led Henderson to accepting an impromptu matchup with Roger Huerta, and pushing for it as a lightweight pairing.