In April, Benson Henderson first revealed his plans to retire from fighting and join the military. But at the time, no specific timetable has been set for this jump to a new career path.
Things seemed to have cleared up for “Bendo”, as far as his plans go. In a recent interview with MMA Junkie, the former WEC and UFC lightweight champion now says he is looking at 2017 as the final year of his fighting career.
“It’s looking that way. We’ll see how it all plays out, but I do want to retire when I’m somewhat younger and be able to speak coherently to my grandchildren,” Henderson said. “The other thing was enlisting into military of some sort.”
When he was initially asked about his military aspirations, Henderson says he is actually willing to go to war, if needed. But as he inches his way forward towards that goal, the 33-year-old fighter says he is happy to take on any duty as a military man, as long as he is serving his country.
“I’d do whatever,” Henderson said. “If it was cleaning the window, but I’m cleaning the window for my country, sure, no problem. It would be kind of boring and sucky, but I’m a humble man. If it happens to be something on the front lines, that’s not ideal, but I’m cool with that, as well.”
Henderson will be gunning for Michael Chandler’s Bellator lightweight title on Saturday, November 19th, at Bellator 165 in San Jose.