Benson Henderson wanted fastest route back to title shot – and he drew Islam Mamedov

PHOENIX – Benson Henderson says he asked Scott Coker for an opponent who would get him closest to a title shot.

Despite losing three in a row, former WEC and UFC lightweight champion Henderson (28-11 MMA, 5-6 BMMA) has not given up on his hopes to add another belt to his collection.

Henderson will be making a quick turnaround after losing to Brent Primus in October when he meets Islam Mamedov (20-1-1 MMA, 1-0 BMMA) in Saturday’s Bellator 273 co-main event. It’s a tough outing that he asked for.

“I asked them point blank, ‘Hey, what do I need to do?’ I know three losses in a row doesn’t look good,” Henderson told reporters, including MMA Junkie, during Wednesday’s Bellator 273 media day in Phoenix. “One’s at 170 (instead of lightweight) – it is what it is. But three losses in a row doesn’t look good. But what do I need to do? What’s the quickest way I can get back to a title shot? Of course I’m biased in my own opinion, but I feel I’m still the best lightweight in the world. How can I go back to there and prove it? How can I get a chance to prove that? And they threw out Islam’s name.”

Henderson will be taking on another strong grappler in Mamedov, who hasn’t lost since dropping his second professional bout. Henderson, a two-time Bellator title challenger, hopes his willingness to take on all comers will help facilitate his path to another shot at the lightweight belt.

“They said this guy is on a 19-fight win streak. He just beat the guy that beat you, Brent Primus, and no one else can fight him,” Henderson said. “They couldn’t get anybody. Everyone is saying no to Islam. So yeah, sign me up. I’m your huckleberry. If Islam is the guy who if I beat him, I’m that much quicker, faster to a title shot then absolutely. I’m all for it.”

Bellator 273 takes place Saturday at Footprint Center. The main card airs on Showtime after prelims on MMA Junkie.