3. Benson Henderson
Former lightweight champion Benson Henderson in order to right his year left behind the division in which he had claimed UFC gold and made three successful title defenses.
The move to 170 pounds came after he lost back-to-back fights for the first time in his nine-year career. The second defeat in the sequence kicked off his 2015 campaign, as Henderson accepted Donald Cerrone as a late-replacement opponent in January. “Smooth” had beaten Cerrone twice in World Extreme Cagefighting, and while the rivals had become friends, “Cowboy” saw an opportunity to dig himself out of a hole at Henderson’s expense. A close 15-minute rematch ended with the judges ruling in Cerrone’s favor. It was so close, in fact, that Cerrone insisted it was not a win worth celebrating. For Henderson, it was a disappointing, forgettable follow-up to being knocked out by Rafael dos Anjos -- the first knockout loss of his career -- to conclude 2014.
In response, Henderson jumped to welterweight for a chance to reinvent himself. Less than 30 days after he squared off with Cerrone, he submitted lauded prospect Brandon Thatch on short notice. It signaled that Henderson was ready to compete in meaningful bouts in either division. Henderson then headlined the Ultimate Fighting Championship’s inaugural trip to South Korea in late November, earning a split decision over Jorge Masvidal in a compelling 25-minute main event. The wins over Thatch and Masvidal set up options in two weight classes as Henderson prepares for his next step -- a step that includes testing the free-agent market.
Given his history, Henderson is one of the highest-profile free agents in the sport. The 32-year-old’s welterweight adventure demonstrated he is still capable of going 25 minutes against top-shelf competition in multiple divisions. Whatever Henderson decides in free agency, he will be a major player thanks to his welterweight prospects and lightweight consistency.
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