UFC
Benson Henderson's manager says he's up for Michael Johnson bout, coach doesn't think there's much to gain
Feb 26, 2015 - 11:45:15 AM Benson Henderson's manager says he's up for Michael Johnson bout, coach doesn't think there's much to gain

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By: Jamie Penick, MMATorch Editor-in-Chief

After beating Edson Barboza at UFC Fight Night 61, Michael Johnson said a fight with Benson Henderson makes the most sense to him. For Henderson, he's more than willing, but his coach has some reservations.

According to a report from Ariel Helwani on Wednesday's UFC Tonight program on Fox Sports 1, Henderson told his manager "let's do it" when asked about a fight with Johnson. However, his coach doesn't think there's much to gain from that fight, and wants the "quickest fight back to the title" for the former UFC Lightweight Champion.

Henderson defeated Brandon Thatch earlier this month in a late notice 170 lb. fight at UFC Fight Night 60, halting a two-fight losing streak in the lightweight division.

Penick's Analysis: There's everything to gain from beating Johnson, who is now a top ten fighter after beating Barboza, and has won four straight fights himself. Henderson hasn't won a lightweight fight now since last June, and he got knocked out in one of his losses. Any fight is a chance to gain something, and the "quickest fight back to the title" is going to be a top ten level opponent like Johnson.

[Benson Henderson art by Grant Gould (c) MMATorch.com]