MMA Socialites

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

Announcing MMA Socialites

I’m excited to announce the launch of MMA Socialites in partnership with Lani Carwin, wife of UFC Heavyweight contender Shane Carwin. MMA Socialites was created as a way to bring the fans into the lives of MMA fighters and their families, as well as all others deeply involved in this sport, within a community atmosphere. We’ve taken our passion for the sport and the lifestyle we both live, coupled with the stories we’re told, to share with you, the fans. Regardless of the juncture, whether training for the first MMA fight or defending a title, every fighter has a story to tell and we wanted to share them with you.

Our goal is to tell the stories of the fighters outside the cage, and present the side of them that fans rarely see. We’re confident that by showing the fans who these fighters are outside the cage, the more MMA will gain mainstream acceptance and the more the sport will grow. We won’t focus on breaking news, but rather on interviews, event coverage, as well as community meet-ups at events. We’ll bring you into the lives of the fighters, their families, and get the perspective and stories of those non-fighters that still play a key role in the growth of this sport.

Lani says “I am thrilled to be involved with MMA Socialites, and the launch of the site is so exciting!  The MMA industry is a passion of mine; not only because my husband, Shane Carwin, is a top-notch talent in the UFC, but because the potential for growth and advancement of the sport is incredible. As my knowledge base has grown through the years of my direct exposure, my excitement for the sport has as well. MMA Socialites was born to expose an entire population, a group that has been completely neglected, to something they are just as interested in as I am.  There are so many women that love the sport and crave more knowledge and insight into our industry.  We are here to bring that - to give them a place to bond, gain insight, and attain a whole different perspective that I have no doubt will be so interesting for them.  Thank you to Rachel for all her hard work - and let the ride begin!”

And what a ride it will be. Please come and join the community -www.mmasocialites.com- to stay in the loop on our efforts, also,  follow us on twitter. If there’s a fighter or fighter’s wife you want us to interview just email and let us know. We want to hear from you, the fans!