Tim Wigmore
Updated on: October 11, 2024 3:48 pm GMT
As Islam Makhachev gears up for what could be a record-setting title defense, former UFC lightweight champion Benson Henderson has expressed a mix of admiration and acceptance regarding the possibility of his long-held defense record being broken. Having held the record for 11 years since his 2013 title defense, Henderson acknowledges the inevitability of Makhachev’s rise in the sport.
Makhachev’s Path to History
Islam Makhachev, the current UFC lightweight champion, is poised to potentially break the title defense record originally set by Henderson, Frankie Edgar, and BJ Penn, all of whom defended their belts three times. Makhachev’s latest victory against Dustin Poirier at UFC 302 in June marks his third successful title defense and sets the stage for an anticipated rematch with Arman Tsarukyan. If Makhachev prevails in this upcoming bout, he will officially surpass the record that has stood since 2013.
Henderson, who was unaware that his record was under threat when interviewed, noted, “It was only a matter of time before someone was going to beat it, so if it’s Makhachev? Good for him.” His support for Makhachev reveals a sense of camaraderie among fighters who have shared the octagon.
Previous Title Defenses and Comparisons
Henderson’s path to title defense glory began with a victory against Gilbert Melendez at UFC on Fox 7, which solidified his place among the UFC elite. Makhachev’s mentor, Khabib Nurmagomedov, had a brief period of dominance but was unable to further extend his record due to early retirement.
Complicating the discussion of title defenses is the debate surrounding Khabib’s initial fight against Conor McGregor in 2018. Questions linger regarding the legitimacy of Khabib’s defense after claiming the belt in a short-notice fight against Al Iaquinta earlier that year. Nonetheless, Makhachev’s match against Tsarukyan is viewed as a definitive chance for him to establish his own legacy.
Henderson Reflects on UFC’s Competitive Nature
Henderson took a moment to reflect on the challenges faced by UFC champions, mentioning the allure of fame and partying that often distracts fighters from their training. “It takes a lot of hard work to maintain that focus,” he remarked, commending Makhachev for staying committed to his training regimen and defending his title regularly.
“Makhachev has shown an admirable dedication to his craft,” Henderson added. “Getting to that point and remaining there is not easy.” This perspective underscores the rigors of the sport, where the line between glory and distraction is often razor-thin.
Henderson’s Transition to Boxing
Since retiring from mixed martial arts after a loss to Usman Nurmagomedov, Henderson has explored new avenues in combat sports, including grappling and combat karate. He is now set to compete in Misfits Boxing’s Stake pro tournament. His first challenge will be against Chris Avila, with the winner progressing through a one-night knockout bracket, reminiscent of the early days of the UFC.
Henderson expressed excitement about the competitiveness of a one-night tournament format. “I always wanted to do a one-night tournament. I thought it was the coolest thing ever,” he stated, reinforcing his passion for challenging himself in the ring even after his illustrious MMA career.
McGregor’s Uncertain Future
Meanwhile, Conor McGregor, a former two-division champion, finds himself in a perplexing situation regarding his future with the UFC. After losing his expected fight against Michael Chandler, who has since opted for a rematch with Charles Oliveira, McGregor expressed frustration about his lack of clarity within the promotion.
Despite his ongoing training and commitment to frequent drug testing, McGregor remains without a fight date or opponent. As he stated at the BKFC 66 post-event news conference, “I’m just out of the loop with it, you know? All I can do is carry on with what I’m doing.” This sentiment captures the uncertainty that often accompanies a fighter’s career, especially for someone as prominent as McGregor.
Testing and Compliance in UFC
McGregor, who claims to be one of the most tested athletes on the UFC roster, stated that he feels he is meeting all necessary preparations for his return to action. According to UFC Anti-Doping records, he has been tested multiple times this year, positioning him among the most compliant fighters in the promotion. However, the lack of forthcoming opportunities has left him feeling sidelined.
As the MMA landscape continues to evolve, both Henderson and Makhachev represent different eras and aspects of the sport, while McGregor showcases the ongoing challenges athletes face, even at the pinnacle of their careers. The future remains bright for Makhachev as he seeks to carve his name into UFC history, while Henderson continues to showcase his tenacity in other combat sports.
Henderson is accepting that the UFC is changing, and Makhachev wants to break new records. This shows how mixed martial arts is always evolving, and what it means to have a legacy keeps changing too. McGregor’s story reminds us that professional sports can be very unpredictable.
