UFC and Bellator veteran Benson Henderson will make his boxing debut as part of a one-night tournament next month.
Henderson has entered into a four-man bracket hosted by Misfits Boxing on September 14th from the Vertu Motors Arena in Newcastle, England. Competing at the limit of 175 pounds, he will fight for up to three rounds in the opening portion of the bracket, then will advance to the finals if successful.
40-year-old Henderson officially stepped away from MMA early last year following a first-round submission loss against Bellator Lightweight Champion Usman Nurmagomedov, ending a one-and-a-half decade in the sport. However, he hasn’t kept other combat sports opportunities out of the picture since then.
Late last year Henderson appeared on a Karate Combat card, going the distance against long-time rival Anthony Pettis. He also continues to appear in grappling contests as well, including a matchup last year against Nieman Gracie. And soon, he will lace up gloves and step into the ring in Newcastle.
Henderson’s semi-final round matchup will see him meet MMA and boxing talent Chris Avila. While the Diaz Brothers-associated fighter has experience in notable promotions like Bellator and the UFC, he has found a successful niche as a boxing fighter since 2021. The 31-year-old has earned six wins over the past few years, including victories against Anthony Pettis and Jeremy Stephens.
The other side of the bracket sees undefeated 13-fight pro Idris Virgo and influencer boxer Fes Batista face off.
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