Dana (right), no hard feelings towards Bendo (left). Photo: Josh Hedges/UFC
This Monday (30), the MMA world was surprised by the announcement that the former lightweight champion Ben henderson left the UFC for Bellator. However, according to president Dana White, Bendo's move to the rival event did not happen without Ultimate trying to convince him to stay.
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“The truth is that we offered him a substantial increase (another salary level) in relation to what he was earning if he won the belt again, but he decided to accept the other offer, which offered more money immediately. Ben is a former world champion who is currently ranked 15th. We are looking for guys who are in the top 5 of their divisions, or guys who have the prospect of going from 15th place to first, and not the other way around”, declared Dana, to the website “MMA Junkie”.
The director, however, said he did not hold any grudge against the former Ultimate athlete for his decision. “I'm really happy for Benson. I'm not angry. Who knows what will happen? Perhaps he signed the last contract of his career. I think he got the right deal for him. Ben is a great guy, and I wish him all the best,” he assured.
At 32 years old, Benson Henderson has a professional record of 23 wins and five losses. Former WEC and UFC lightweight champion, Bendo had two consecutive victories in Ultimate, over Brandon thatch e Jorge masvidal, both fighting in the top category – welterweight.
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