MMA fans around the world were left stunned as former WEC and UFC champion Benson Henderson announced his retirement from the sport, hanging up his gloves after being submitted by Usman Nurmagomedov in the first round at Bellator 292. The 39-year-old ‘Smooth’ ended his illustrious career with a professional record of 42-30-12, spanning over 17 years.

In the main event of the Bellator Lightweight World Grand Prix quarter-finals, Nurmagomedov kept the family name flying high, delivering a stunning rear-naked choke after a question mark kick floored the former UFC champion in the opening seconds. Thereafter, during his post-fight interview, Henderson announced his retirement inside the cage, signaling the end of an era in the sport.

This news elicited a plethora of reactions from the MMA community, with many expressing their admiration and appreciation for the legend.

MMA world bids farewell to Benson Henderson

The 39-year-old Arizona native retired with a long and stupendous resume of accolades, having secured wins over notable fighters like Frankie Edgar, Josh Thomson, Nate Diaz, Donald Cerrone, Jim Miller, Clay Guida, Jorge Masvidal, and so on. His impressive record and remarkable achievements have undoubtedly left an indelible mark on the sport, and his retirement marks the end of an era in MMA. Fans who had followed his illustrious career were left with heavy hearts as they bid farewell to ‘Smooth’ Benson Henderson.

Check out how the fight fans showered love on Henderson upon his retirement:

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Having said that, Henderson also revealed his plans after retirement.

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And it appears he is making way for his wife Maria Magana, who will be making her professional MMA debut soon.

The missus will take it from here

During his post-fight news conference, ‘Smooth’ Benson Henderson got emotional as he shed light on his decision to retire from fighting. He explained that it was time for him to hang up his gloves and let someone else flourish, that someone being his wife, Maria Magana. Benson acknowledged that he had accomplished everything he had set out to achieve, and that it was time for him to focus on his family.

The 39-year-old said, “The majority of the time will be taking care of the kids; so that she can train more. I signed that deal with Bellator and I told myself, ‘Anytime you lose during these four fights, that’s probably it,’ and that’s what happened. It’s time to lay the gloves down. I’ll still be around and help the guys out. I love my team.”

He continued, “It’s my wife’s turn to shine. Her turn to practice three, four times a day and get after it. So, you know, I’ll leave that to her, and I’ll be taking care; doing the majority of, taking care of the kids. But I’ll still be in the gym; still helping out with my team, and of course, help my wife out and stuff.”

Even so, his legacy will undoubtedly endure, as he inspired a generation of fighters to strive for greatness and pushed the sport of MMA to new heights. It’s the end of an era, indeed.

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