Former UFC and WEC lightweight champion Benson Henderson is set to make his return to competition at PFL Brussels after a three-year hiatus from MMA. The 42-year-old veteran will compete on the card, marking a significant comeback at an advanced age for the sport. Henderson's last appearance was in 2023, and the announcement has generated curiosity about his compensation for the fight. While the post notes interest in his purse, specific details about his opponent or fight position on the card were not disclosed. Henderson remains one of the most accomplished fighters in lightweight history with notable wins across multiple promotions.
Benson Henderson is returning to MMA competition at PFL Brussels, ending a three-year absence from the sport at the age of 42.
Henderson, nicknamed "Smooth," is one of the most decorated lightweights in MMA history. The American southpaw, who trains out of MMA Lab, holds a professional record of 24 wins and 7 losses and previously captured both the WEC and UFC lightweight championships. Standing five-foot-nine with a 70-inch reach, he has long been known for his well-rounded skill set. His career numbers reflect that versatility — he lands 2.93 significant strikes per minute at 45 percent accuracy while also averaging 2.4 takedowns per 15 minutes and 0.8 submission attempts per 15 minutes, a combination that made him a nightmare for opponents across multiple eras of the sport.
His last MMA appearance came in 2023, making this comeback a layoff of roughly three years. Details surrounding his opponent and position on the PFL Brussels card have not yet been disclosed.
Why it matters
- Henderson is a former champion in two major organizations, giving his return genuine marquee value regardless of his placement on the card
- At 42, he would be competing at an age few elite fighters have managed at a high level, adding a storyline around career longevity
- His all-around game — striking, wrestling, and submission grappling — makes him a difficult stylistic puzzle for any lightweight opponent
- The lightweight division in PFL carries season-based million-dollar prize implications, raising the stakes of every card appearance
