Ben Henderson: The Nicest Guy to Tap You Out

From MMAMadness.com

“Threatening” is not a word you would use to describe Ben Henderson after you first meet him.

He’s friendly. He left an event after promising me an interview (not his fault, we just didn’t cross paths), but came back after just one text message to give it.

He’s well-mannered, someone you would be thrilled to have your daughter date.

He’s pious, citing God as his biggest supporter.

But Henderson (9-1) is anything but nice when he steps in the ring. Riding an eight-fight win streak after an impressive comeback TKO victory against Shane Roller at WEC 40, Henderson has quickly become one of the can’t-miss prospects in the lightweight division.

Henderson swears that his personality in and out of the ring is anything but Jekyll and Hyde.

“I’m the same guy inside the ring as I am outside the ring,” Henderson said. “I’m not one of those guys who’s nice outside, and inside the ring I change personalities. It’s just another side of the personality. Who you are really comes through inside the ring.”

Henderson credits much of his success to the Lab, the Glendale-based camp that he helped establish.

“It’s awesome building up a family together, [with fighters] who are there from the very start,” Henderson said. “These guys are my brothers and I love them to death. The things we go through and put ourselves through, it’s just really special to see us grow up together.”

Family is something that Henderson seems to incorporate into every aspect of his life, from his training partners, to his sponsors.

“I’m not a guy who will represent anybody, just pay me the bucks and ill put you on my shorts,” Henderson said. “I like to know the company and build a good relationship with them.”

With the support systems in place, Henderson seems poised to make a run at superstardom at 155 pounds, be it in the WEC or the UFC. Just don’t expect him to start calling out opponents.

“I’m not one of those guys who calls out people,” Henderson said. “I wanted to fight the best of those types of genres, the standup fighter, the wrestler, the Jiu Jitsu guy and I’ve already done that, so now I’m ready for whoever’s next.”

Whoever that someone is, they should take note. Ben Henderson has become a force to be reckoned with.

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