Ex-UFC champ Benson Henderson ends MMA retirement, headlines PFL Brussels event
MMA Fighting
March 2, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
Benson Henderson, the former UFC champion, is making a remarkable comeback to MMA after three years of retirement. Set to headline the main event at PFL Brussels on May 23, Henderson will face Patrick Habirora in what promises to be an electrifying match. This fight marks Henderson's return to the cage following his retirement after a defeat to Usman Nurmagomedov at Bellator 292 in March 2023.
Since hanging up his gloves, Henderson has explored various combat sports avenues, including Karate Combat and Misfits Boxing, while also engaging in grappling competitions. However, his recent loss to Aljamain Sterling via tech fall at RAF 6 highlights the challenges he faces as he reenters the MMA scene. Despite this setback, Henderson's return is a significant moment for fans of mixed martial arts.
Henderson’s opponent, Patrick Habirora, known as “The Belgian Bomber,” has established himself as a formidable force in PFL, boasting an impressive 4-0 record within the SmartCage. Aged just 24, Habirora has already defeated UFC veterans Danny Roberts and Kevin Jousset in his last two bouts, showcasing his rising talent. This fight will be his toughest yet, as he aims to extend his undefeated streak to 9-0.
This bout matters for several reasons. Benson Henderson’s legacy as a former UFC champion makes his return a significant event for MMA enthusiasts. His presence could breathe new life into his career and reignite the passion of fans who have followed his journey. Additionally, PFL stands to gain from the exposure that Henderson's name brings, attracting more attention to the promotion.
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Originally published on MMA Fighting on 3/2/2026