Ben Henderson on ‘anti-climactic’ Bellator run: ‘It’s on me’ to prove I am a big name

Former UFC lightweight champion Ben Henderson was one of the major signings by Bellator MMA in early 2016. But so far, he has not been living up to the expectations, as he is currently 1-3 under their banner.

Overall, Henderson feels he is still one of Bellator’s top 155-pound fighters, he just needs a chance to prove it.

“Anti-climatic. Not as advertised,” Henderson said, describing his Bellator run during Monday’s episode of The MMA Hour (via MMA Fighting). “I know I’m a big name still for Bellator, but I haven’t brought the goods, so it’s on me. it’s squarely on my shoulders to back it up, to bring the goods.”

Henderson lost his last two fights against Michael Chandler and Patricky Freire via split decision, which led him to believe that he could also have been a victim of bad judging. However, he intends to use it as a push to help him overcome his current slump.

“We all know how MMA judging goes. Sometimes [you’re] on the good side and sometimes [you’re] on the bad side of it. I’ve been on the bad side of it in Bellator so far,” Henderson said. “It feels like it’s not just me and the other person in there. It’s me and three other judges and the other person.”

“If that’s the case, and that’s what it is, I have to battle myself, I have to battle my opponent and the judges. If I have to keep it out of their hands, so be it. No problem, it’s just another challenge I have to accept and overcome.”

Henderson is currently scheduled to headline Bellator 196 against fellow ex-UFC fighter Roger Huerta on April 6^th in Budapest.