Ben Henderson Talks Move To Welterweight

With the sting of his controversial UFC Fight Night 59 unanimous decision loss to Donald Cerrone still resonating, former UFC light champion Benson Henderson moved up to 170 pounds in order to take on returning hometown favorite Brandon “Rukus” Thatch in the main event of Feb. 14’s UFC Fight Night 60 from Broomfield, Colorado.

“Smooth” has always been regarded as a huge and powerful lightweight whose body has endured many harsh and draining weight cuts, but there is a myriad of questions that await him at a higher weight class.

In a recent appearance with AXS TV, Henderson said that he won’t stay at welterweight permanently. He also discussed the pros and cons of fighting at what could be a more comfortable class:

Henderson admits that he will forfeit much of his strength and size, but that he will make up for it by gaining speed:

“At 170, I’m definitely losing a lot of strength, a lot of size. But on the ‘pro’ side, I’ll be gaining a lot of speed, a little of quickness, agility, and a little of athleticism.”

He also thinks that his already formidable gas tank will be able to outlast his larger competition:

“Also, cardio is king. The bigger the size you go on weight classes, these guys will tire out more quickly. Hopefully we put pressure on guys and keep them tired when they can’t even put their hands up eventually on the 4th and 5th rounds.”

Henderson has put up a rather pedestrian 2-3 in his last five fights, so a new home could provide him with a fresh start similar to Anthony Johnson’s recent career resurgence. He said that would be just the case:

“Me going to 170 is — boom! — I’ll be explosive.”

That could indeed prove true, but he’ll have to do it against a huge and vicious welterweight in Thatch, who has a 10-fight streak of first round finishes that has only been halted by a string of injuries dating back to his last fight, a submission due to strikes win over Paulo Thiago at November 2013’s UFC Fight Night 32.

Even if “Smooth” does have more power at welterweight, it probably won’t be the best idea to stand and trade with “Rukus,” who will be eager to put on a show for his Denver faithful after just over 15 months away from the cage.

Can Henderson rebound from his recent downslide and spoil Thatch’s homecoming on Valentine’s Day?

Photo Credit: David Banks-USA TODAY Sports