Dana White: 'Great guy' Benson Henderson got 'right deal for him' in move to Bellator

When Benson Henderson announced his new contract with Bellator earlier today, the UFC lost one of the most successful fighters to enter the octagon in several years. UFC President Dana White isn’t upset, however, and said that he’s happy for the former lightweight champion.

Henderson (23-5 MMA, 11-3 UFC) today announced the move on his official website and expressed appreciation for the opportunities provided to him by White and UFC Chairman and CEO Lorenzo Fertitta.

“I’d be remiss to not thank Dana White and Lorenzo Fertita for the opportunities they presented me, you guys have helped me change my life for the better and to be able to provide my family with the things I didn’t have while growing up,” Henderson wrote. “For that I’ll always have the utmost appreciation. Thanks for all the advise you guys gave too, both business wise and personal.”

MMAjunkie spoke to White about the situation and the respect was returned. He also said that the UFC could have matched the offer from Bellator, but chose not to.

“The truth is we made him an offer that would have paid him substantially more – like not even in the same ballpark – than he’s getting now if he were to become world champion again, but he chose their deal, which offered more up front,” White said. “He’s a former world champion who’s ranked No. 15 now. We’re looking for top-5 guys, guys that are going from 15 to 1, not the other way around.

“But I’m honestly happy for Benson. I’m not angry. Who knows? This could be the last contract he ever signs. He got the right deal for him. He’s a great guy, and we wish him all the best.”

Henderson most recently fought in November, when he defeated Jorge Masvidal in UFC Fight Night 79’s headliner. Afterward, he said he hoped to finish his career in the UFC, where he was champion from 2012-2013 and defended the title successfully on three occasions. Still, he felt compelled to test the free-agent waters.

He’ll look to build on his legacy in the Bellator cage and does so as the rare fighter to depart from the UFC for a rival promotion with public statements of respect from both sides.

For more on the UFC’s and Bellator’s upcoming schedules, check out the MMA Rumors section of the site.