Benson Henderson signs eight-fight deal with the UFC

Last week, UFC lightweight champ Benson Henderson expressed frustration with the amount of money Eddie Alvarez was offered to sign with the organization after his peer’s deal was made public due to an ongoing legal dispute with Bellator.  Specifically, if signed, Alvarez would receive $70,000 to show with another $70,000 coming his way if victorious, while Henderson only earned a total of $78,000 for his December title-defense against Nate Diaz. 

It appears the UFC was listening to the 29-year old’s complaints and have made things right by inking “Bendo” to a new contract offering a salary increase in addition to job security for the next few years. 

“I’m very excited to let you guys know that Dana White and Lorenzo Fertitta aren’t tired of me yet.  Proud to announce that I just signed my new contract, which will keep me around for at least eight more fights,” wrote Henderson on Instagram. “ This deal made me think long term and what it all means and what I’m here for.  Am I really doing all this just to buy stuff and pay my bills?  Or do I have this platform/stage for something more?  I hope I can use these few years to really inspire, introduce, encourage and do some of His will.  I hope I can do all of this with my actions and not just my words.” 

This is pretty huge.  Bendo was already under contract for a while, but making a noise.  Normally with the UFC, the squeaky wheel does not get the grease….it gets tossed out into the junkyard.  But this whole mess with Alvarez/Bellator/UFC led to contract details leaking, and then Bendo expressing displeasure with his pay relative to what the UFC was offering a free agent, and here we are.  I love it.