A Different Side of Ben Henderson

If given the opportunity to talk to Ben Henderson, what would you ask? I'm guessing the route I picked is different than what you've read else where. I wanted to let the dust settle a bit from his recent media 'tour' and catch him after he had had a chance to rest up a bit. Yeah, come to find out that doesn't really happen with Ben. When he should be enjoying his new title of WEC Lightweight Champion and basking in the sun and eating bon-bons, he's relieving his mother from her job and working in her convenience store up to 17 hours a day. And I don't mean he's showing up and signing autographs. Instead of wearing his new shiny belt he's wearing a store apron. He grew up with a mother that worked multiple jobs. And now being a small business owner, she finds herself working even more hours than before. When I asked Ben about it he said something about it being about his culture (he's part Korean). But the more I talked to him it became clear there's more to it than that. When he has something in front of him he only knows to work hard. 

For example his pending wedding. Yep, sorry ladies Ben is 'taken'. Over the Christmas holiday he got engaged to his girl Katie. Mind you the wedding isn't until November OF NEXT YEAR but because Ben is so focused and a hard worker, he's already created their wedding website and picked the music. He said "I wanted to be a part of the planning process and figured this is when I'm available to do my part. I'm going to begin training for my next fight soon and know I won't have as much time to help out." You can hear the excitement in his voice. And what a great team they'll make. She's currently going to school to be an occupational therapist!

When I asked him about his strong views on religion again he embraced the conversation, almost proud. Saying his mother brought them (Ben and his brother) up to be Christians. He grew up in the church and attended youth group on Wednesdays and church on Sunday. His mom wanted them to fit and christianity was a way of doing that. He said as he got older and was in college he saw other perspectives and decided that in fact having the strong belief and living the christian lifestyle was the right choice for him.

Okay, so I couldn't help but ask about the belt. Where is it? What does one do with a title belt? I've seen a few guys hang them up at their gym. He laughed and said  "I don't know where it is right now. Sometimes my friends like to take it to the mall and show it off. But, I do keep it at the gym.." 

Then I asked him about his future. Does he see himself moving over to the UFC? In a pointed and passionate tone he said "I want to be the best at what I do. I want to be the best fighter. Like Michael Jordon was in his sport, I want to be that in mine. In order to be the best I know I need to fight the best. Give me the top 155 pounders on the planet."

That, my friends, is who Ben Henderson is. The SmoothOne.

Please follow Ben on Twitter at twitter.com/SmoothOne155

Comments

[Stacey]

THANK YOU so much for doing these interviews. Ben Henderson is clearly a fan favorite and his love and passion for life shows through his personality and his fighting ability. Please continue to do these. You really have a strong idea here. You're a head of the sport and these kinds of interviews will appeal to people like myself. Sure reading about their upcoming fights is interesting but this is an aspect that's rarely if ever covered. so thank you again. - Stac

[Andrea]

It's really nice to see that a lot of fighters keep themselves humble and family-oriented. Great post!

[Danny Maratas]

yes not like always going out partying all the time

MMA fight diet plan

[wholesale mma]

Ben Henderson is one of those people who are humble in spite of where they are now.

-mikee

[Aaron Stewart]

Thanks for posting this. I agree with the others, its nice to see that not all of the MMA fighters are out partying.

[Brixx]

This is what a real MMA fighter should be,a bad @ss inside the ring and a good guy outside the ring. thumbs up!

[MMAMan]

Man that is awesome to see a tough mma guy like that be up front and not ashamed of his Christian faith. Wish you the best Ben!

[Kieran]

Most top sports-people are really social guys who like to help others. This is another good example. It's all the individuals like Ben who collectively make the world better.

[air max 2009]

Gosto de ler palavras que dizem muitas coisas de noutra maneira. Por vezes, com um olhar ceguinho de choro...somos silênciados pela mensagem de certos poemas...
Na verdade à razões que, de facto, a própria razão desconhece...
Fez-me bem visitar este blog...
Beijo

[Gina]

nice story... you can tell this guy is good natured and his Mother. As someone mixed with Korean and American, its great to be a fan of someone else who is....and a Sociology major too! This house loves to watch Ben fight and we tear it down when he does!!! Go Ben!

[Supra Society]

Where would we be today if we had looked at our past experience

[Shox R3 Shoes]

fight soon and know I won't have as much time to help out." You can hear the excitement in his voice. And what a great team they'll make. She's currently going to school to be an occupational therapist!

When I asked him about his strong views on religion again he embraced the conversation, almost proud. Saying his mother brought them (Ben and his brother) up to be Christians. He grew up in the church and attended youth group on Wednesdays and church on Sunday. His mom wanted them to fit and christianity was a way

[shop taobao]

Ya I liked your post very.

[air yeezys]

Because between love the word is heart~

[Air Jordan 23]

The concert has a serious purpose, but it is also a celebration. There is lively entertainment from Broadway hits to jazz and country music

[brad]

bendo is a great fighter, but i cannot respect any fighter who is so christian. claiming that jesus is the reason you guillotined cerrone in the first round of the rematch will quickly alienate anybody who isnt a bible freak.

sorry bendo, but the earth is more than 10,000 years old. there was no talking snake. moses never split the red sea, a virgin did not just magically get pregnant. you arent going to go to hell if your gay. abortion should be legal, and clergymen sexually assaulting children is WRONG. religion may be a valuable crutch to some, but there are plenty of ways to be a good wholesome family oriented person without prostelytizing to a crowd of people at a fight.

mayhem miller runs a television show that physically humbles people who cause harm to others. it decries bullying and promotes equality discipline, but doesnt say a single word about jesus. if i wanted to hear about god ide go to church, not an mma card

[External Hard Drive TB]

"I want to be the best at what I do. I want to be the best fighter. Like Michael Jordon was in his sport, I want to be that in mine. In order to be the best I know I need to fight the best. Give me the top 155 pounders on the planet."

I think he already is!

[UGG Boots On Sale]

Tell me about yourself your past experience!

[last chaos gold]

last chaos gold

[Taobao English]

Um...like the style of your writing.*_*

[air jordans]

I have always found that if I move with 75% or more of the facts, I usually never regret it. It's the guys who wait to have everything perfect that drive you crazy

[Church Mortgages]

Christians are represented in all walks of life, and its particularly refreshing to see Ben's emphasis on work ethic (being your best at whatever you do), and a servants heart (helping his family and others). Good luck to you, and thanks for your good example.

[Air Jordan 13]

On life's journey faith is nourishment, virtuous deeds are a shelter, wisdom is the light by day and right mindfulness is the protection by night. If a man lives a pure life, nothing can destroy him. Do you think so?

[Poker Online]

Post estonteneante neste blogue, post assim realção a quem quer que aparecer nesta página !!!
Realiza mais deste espaço, a todos os teus cybernautas.

[External Hard Drives]

I'm a big fan of Ben Henderson!