Bellator 153: Benson Henderson takes brutal beating in Bellator debut

Former 3-time defending UFC lightweight champion Benson Henderson (23-6) was given a unique opportunity last night in his Bellator debut. If he won his debut fight he’d become a triple crown champion of sorts – the first man to hold belts in the UFC, WEC and Bellator. All he had to do was get by a man not a whole lot of folks were talking about out of Omsk, Russia named Andrey Koreshkov (19-1). A man who would give Benson Henderson a rude awakening, a nightmarish welcoming to his new job.

That knee, that win! @SpartanKoresh #AndStill #Bellator153 pic.twitter.com/HcFpNRJk6T

— Bellator MMA (@BellatorMMA) April 23, 2016

Credit to Henderson, somehow he survived this 5 round beating by the hands of the Russian. He used the unique defense of desperate takedown attempts and bobbing and weaving while on the ground. Koreshkov had all the time in the world to measure up his opponent and choose whatever weapon he wanted to employ out of his arsenal. Henderson was in pure survival mode after eating brutal strike after brutal strike from the champion. Henderson could’ve quit at any time without being looked down upon – his corner could’ve thrown in the towel after the 4th and no one would’ve disagreed with them – this was the kind beating it was.

Henderson explained that he’d like to get back into the Bellator cage as soon as possible after this defeat. Expect him to make the move back down to lightweight where he’d be able to get right back on track and contend for the title, currently held by Chicago’s Will Brooks (17-1), after just one or two victories.