10 Questions With Ben Henderson (12/20/2009)

[DarrickPatrick]

10 Questions With Ben Henderson (by Darrick Patrick)

"Smooth" Ben (Benson) Henderson is a professional mixed martial artist who has competed in organizations such as World Extreme Cagefighting, Maximum Fighting Championships, EVO MMA, Victory Fighting Championship, Ultimate Combat Experience, Ring Of Fire, and Midwest Championship Fighting. At the time of this interview, his next scheduled match is a lightweight title unification bout against Jamie Varner in World Extreme Cagefighting at WEC 46: Varner vs. Henderson on January 10th, 2010.

Darrick: How did you end up competing professionally in mixed martial arts?

Ben: I have been involved with martial arts for a lot of my life and eventually became a wrestler and wrestled in college. While I was in college, I was known as an emotional grappler who was known to shed a tear from time to time. One of my friends bet me once that I wouldn't fight in mixed martial arts, I took that bet, and the rest is history.

Darrick: Who are some of the people that greatly influenced you while growing up?

Ben: My family (my mom and brother) really always were and continue to be my biggest supporters. Then of course The Lord has guided me on my way. He has chosen this path for me and I am enjoying every moment of the journey.

Darrick: Any words of advice for other individuals looking to compete in MMA?

Ben: Find a great gym that allows you to be you. Make sure you enjoy yourself and do not worry about winning or getting your first TapouT shirt. Your coaches will guide you. Enjoy the moments that are free of pressure.

Darrick: Your next scheduled match is against Jamie Varner on January 10th. What are your thoughts about this upcoming fight?

Ben: I respect Jamie, he is the champion in my division and it has always been a goal of mine to be able to test myself against the very best. Jamie has great hands and excellent wrestling. I am going to try to push him past the limit and I am going to look to take him into deep waters. I expect another Fight of the Night.

Darrick: What brings you the most fulfillment out of martial arts?

Ben: I enjoy being able to help others. My reach and influence grows with every fight and I am continually learning about fighting, martial arts, and life. I love to help others share in what I have learned. Watching a kid pull off a move that you showed them and to see their confidence and spirit grow right before your eyes is a wonderful thing.

Darrick: Who are a few of the people in the sport that you highly respect?

Ben: I have a ton of respect for my coaches and some of the elite 155-pounders like B.J. Penn, Alvin Robinson, and Kenny Florian. I love that these people are pushing me to become better and at the same time pushing themselves to become better. I really look up to these guys. Last but not least, my sponsor MTX Audio goes above and beyond for me and the other guys they represent.

Darrick: Outside of MMA, what are your other interests?

Ben: I love just hanging out, reading books, watching television, and spending time with my girlfriend.

Darrick: What is your oldest memory?

Ben: Playing and spending time with my brother Julius.

Darrick: Tell us something about you that most people don't know.

Ben: I was Jamie Varner's training partner for his fight against Marcus Hicks.

Darrick: What comic book character do you relate to most?

Ben: Captain America.

FOR OTHER EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEWS BY DARRICK PATRICK:

http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendID=4974388&blogID=343519835

You can also check out Ben Henderson in the following places:

Official Ben Henderson Website:

http://www.smoothben.com

Official Ben Henderson MySpace Profile:

http://www.myspace.com/odschamp

Official Ben Henderson Facebook Site:

http://www.facebook.com/#/benson.henderson?ref=ts

Official Ben Henderson Twitter Page:

http://twitter.com/Smoothone155

Magnetic Marketing Associates:

http://www.magneticmarketingassoc.com

MTX MMA Website:

http://www.mtxmma.com

Ben Henderson on Fight Finder:

http://www.sherdog.com/fighter/Benson-Henderson-20548

Ben Henderson Photo Gallery at Sherdog.com:

http://www.sherdog.com/pictures/gallery/fighter/20548