3 Reasons Why Benson Henderson Will Be Champion for a Long Time

In the UFC on Fox 5 main event, Benson "Smooth" Henderson defended his lightweight title for the second time, against Nate Diaz.

Henderson dominated the Stockton native from bell to bell and took home a unanimous decision victory for his efforts.

Henderson has not tasted defeat inside the Octagon yet and holds a perfect 6-0 record.

He seemingly has all the tools and the right attitude it takes to defend the championship multiple times.

Let's take a look at three reasons why "Smooth" will continue to rule the lightweight division.

His Wrestling

Henderson is a fantastic wrestler.

Twice in college Henderson was named an NAIA All-American. That is where his smothering and controlling takedown skills originated.

Henderson has used his wrestling ability to great effect in his fights. He has taken down virtually every UFC opponent he has faced, and once on the canvas, he has controlled them with positioning and strikes.

His wrestling has helped him dominate fighters such as Nate Diaz, Clay Guida, Mark Bocek, and Frankie Edgar.

Henderson's wrestling ability is one of his biggest weapons, and thus far no opponent has been able to solve it.

His Strength

Henderson is a massive lightweight. He regularly cuts a large amount of weight to make the 155-pound limit.

It gives him a significant strength advantage over his opponents come fight night.

That strength advantage is how Henderson is able to successfully control and out-grapple his opponents.

He has used his significant weight advantage to overpower Clay Guida, Mark Bocek and most notably Nate Diaz in their title fight.

He was even using this tactic to great effect when he fought in the WEC.

It is a smart tactic from a smart champion.

His Willingness to Get the Job Done

Ben Henderson is a very smart and dedicated fighter.

He trains hard for every opponent he faces, and it shows when he fights.  He is routinely able to out-wrestle and control his opponents.

He has fast and accurate striking that has some nasty power behind it.

He trains hard to prepare for exactly what his opponent brings to the table, so that on the night of the fight he can be the better man.

A perfect example is his defense against Nate Diaz. He pressured him with his striking, controlled him with takedowns and ground-and-pound and above all, he didn't let Diaz get into his head.

Henderson is a classy professional who will remain the UFC lightweight champion for a long time.