Benson Henderson knows the end is near.
The former UFC lightweight champion and current Bellator contender is wrapping up his distinguished MMA career, and he plans on doing with the completion of his Bellator contract, which is a four-fight deal.
This final career chapter starts this Friday, as Henderson (29-11 MMA, 6-6 BMMA) returns to the cage against Peter Queally in the main event of Bellator 285 in Dublin.
“For sure, these are the last four fights of my career,” Henderson told reporters at Wednesday’s Bellator 285 media day. “I have to give it all I got, give it the best I got. Lay it all out there. And after I’m done, then it’s going to be my wife’s turn. It’s going to be her turn to give it her chance to live her dream to go be a world champion.”
Henderson is coming off a split decision win over Islam Mamedov back in January. He plans on getting a victory over Queally (13-6-1 MMA, 2-2 BMMA) this Friday and making it two in a row.
And if all goes according to plan, Henderson hopes the promotion gives him the next title opportunity and fight the winner of Patricky Pitbull vs. Usman Nurmagomedov, which is set to go down on Nov. 18 at Bellator 288.
“After I beat up Peter Queally and put a stop to Peter Queally, I’m going to get a title shot next,” Henderson said. “I’m either going to beat up Pitbull (or Nurmagomedov). I’d love to do it in a soccer stadium in Brazil or beat up a Russian in a soccer stadium in Russia – no problem. Either way, I’m going to end these last four fights with a Bellator lightweight belt around my waist.”