Former UFC lightweight champion Benson Henderson has been one in every of five fighters to carry the record for title defences since 2013.
Henderson’s win over Gilbert Melendez at UFC on Fox 7 in April of 2013 saw him join Frankie Edgar and BJ Penn within the list of people that had defended the 155lb belt 3 times. And at UFC 302 in June, Islam Makhachev joined their ranks as he defeated Dustin Poirier in Latest Jersey.
Now, Makhachev looks set to rematch Arman Tsarukyan in a potentially record-breaking fourth defence of his belt. The Russian has already beaten his rival once before, and can be favored within the second fight at any time when it takes place.
Benson Henderson praises Islam Makhachev as he pushes towards record-breaking title fight
Henderson’s third defence in 2013 was the ultimate time that somebody hit the record until 2020, when Makhachev’s mentor Khabib Nurmagomedov defeated Justin Gaethje. Nevertheless, before he could win over again, Khabib retired attributable to family issues.
There’s also dispute over Khabib’s first ‘defence’ against Conor McGregor in 2018, after winning the vacant belt against the lowly-ranked Al Iaquinta in a short-notice fight earlier that 12 months. Regardless, he has left the duty of filling his shoes to Makhachev.
His protege just must repeat his previous effort against Arman Tsarukyan with a purpose to break the record that was first set in 2009.
Henderson wasn’t aware that his record was in jeopardy when asked about in an exclusive chat with Bloody Elbow this week. “The record straight away is myself, Frankie and BJ,” he noted. “We each have three each.
“It was only a matter of time before someone was going to beat it, so if it’s Makhachev? Good for him.” When he was informed that Tsarukyan was his next opponent, the previous champion joked: “He’s fighting a man he’s already beat? He has it, he’s locked in!
“Good for him, it’s awesome and look, he still has to fight. Even in the event you’ve beaten any individual once before you continue to must do your due diligence to get your hands raised. Nevertheless it looks like he’s going to win and break the record? Awesome, that’s great.”
Benson Henderson heaps praise on Islam Makhachev for lightweight title consistency
The lifetime of a UFC champion could be a difficult one to take care of outside of the octagon, with many fighters being tempted by a flashy lifestyle once they get the belt. However the likes of Henderson and Makhachev managed to stave off the glitz and glamour in favor of knuckling down in training and defending commonly.
“I’m joyful for him,” Henderson continued. “I understand it takes numerous labor to get to that time. Not only the quantity of labor that’s required to win the belt, but to remain mentally focused in that timeframe and never get easily distracted.
“You may get caught up with partying, with this or that, so it takes numerous labor. My hat is off to him, it’s awesome and if he breaks the record, that can be great for him.”
Benson Henderson set for Misfits Boxing debut
Henderson retired from MMA competition after losing to Usman Nurmagomedov in March of last 12 months, and has since tried out grappling and Karate Combat. Now, he turns his hands to Misfits Boxing, where he competes in tomorrow night’s Stake pro tournament.
He’ll face Chris Avila early within the night, with the winner moving on in a one-night bracket to face the winner of Idris Virgo vs Fes Batista. “That is for old skool tough guys,” Henderson noted. “The identical night, one night tournament like UFC 1.
“I loved that and I believed it was the most important, ballsiest, most awesome thing of all time. When Misfits said that I actually was like ‘I at all times desired to do a one-night tournament’. My brother David Michaud did one with the PFL and that was the good thing ever, I used to be like ‘David, you’re the person’.
“I desired to do a tournament like him and now I’ve got my likelihood. So it’s not only that I get to do boxing, but I get to take part in the sweet science and compete in a one-night tournament to prove how tough I’m. I like it.”
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