Benson Henderson

By Kelsey Mowatt

Following the news that Benson Henderson had signed with Bellator, Dana White said he’s happy for the former lightweight champ, but argued that “Smooth” is heading south in the ranks. The UFC President’s comments didn’t sit well with some, including Henderson’s coach, John Crouch.

The MMA Lab coach recently appeared on Full Contact Fighter Radio, and while discussing White’s statements, Crouch said this:

“I don’t dig it when he tries to devalue Ben,” the BJJ black belt noted. “That’s kind of the UFC’s mantra. Whenever anybody’s not there they devalue them, and I don’t really think it’s fair. I think Ben is still in the middle of a great career. I think he could still be fighting for the title. I don’t think the UFC is interested in giving him those title shot, and giving him the work to work back up.”

Henderson closed out his UFC run by earning consecutive wins over Brandon Thatch and Jorge Masvidal. Prior to that, he dropped a tightly contested, decision loss to Donald Cerrone, in a bout some observers had him winning. The only other men that have defeated Henderson since 2007 are Anthony Pettis (twice) and Rafael dos Anjos. The former lightweight champ and the current reigning, 155 king.

“So, I didn’t like it, but could he have said worse things? Ya.” added Crouch. “So, it’s way better if we keep it amicable, when we try to keep it professional, for sure.”

At the end of the day, Crouch is excited for Henderson, who has said that Bellator’s deal was too good to pass up. The 32 year-old has already been booked for his promotional debut, as Henderson will challenge welterweight champ Andrey Koreshkov on April 22.

“I’m happy for him,” Crouch said. “He’s done a lot in his career and I think he deserves the money he’s supposed to get from it. I’m looking forward to the challenges it’s going to create. There’s good fighters in Bellator, and they’ll be some interesting fights to make.”

Bellator 153 will be hosted by the Mohegan Sun Arena in Uncasville, Connecticut.