BEN HENDERSON

ATTRIBUTES

OFFENSIVE SKILLS

DEFENSIVE SKILLS

ULTIMATE TECHNIQUES

JUMPING SINGLE LEG TAKEDOWN

Level 3 - Both Standing, Striking Range

Henderson can stand and strike with the best of them, but the ground game is where he truly thrives. Use his explosive single leg takedown to bring the fight to the mat whenever you please.

SWEEP TRANSMISSION TO OPEN GUARD, TOP

Level 2 - Sprawl, Bottom

Even if his initial takedown is stuffed, Henderson can still press forward in an attempt to gain top position on the ground by sweeping his opponent over into Open Guard.

DIRECT CATCH TO GUILLOTINE CHOKE

Level 3- Sprawl, Top

This is Henderson’s best submission by far, and it pairs nicely with his excellent takedown defense. Lock in this same lethal guillotine from any seated position against the cage as well.

STRENGTHS

• Submissions

• Grappling

• Conditioning

Ben “Smooth” Henderson is a dangerous UFC lightweight contender with explosive athleticism and excellent wrestling ability.

While his stand-up game can be very effective, his striking is best used to set up his clinch game or takedowns.

Grappling is where Henderson really wants to be, working his opponent over with heavy knees in the clinch, or passing their guard on the ground to deliver some crushing blows from the top.

He is an excellent wrestler, able to achieve and maintain dominant position against many of his opponents, working them over with debilitating ground-and-pound as he looks to set up submissions.

His best subs are his guillotine chokes, which he can apply in the sprawl after stuffing his opponent’s takedown, or in any seated position against the cage—use his excellent guillotine against aggressive grapplers each time they fail to complete a takedown.

WEAKNESSES

• Footwork

• Standing strikes

• Standing strikes defense
  

Though he’s fast and durable on the feet, Henderson’s footwork leaves a little to be desired—this allows elite strikers to outmaneuver Smooth on the feet, setting up their combos and counters with greater ease and keeping him at the desired distance.

Though he has a very good chin, he’s also most vulnerable to standing strikes—another reason to keep the fight upright when you’re facing off against him.

Keep him on his feet and look to land quick strikes as you remain defensive with your stand-up.

Always be ready to counter his takedowns by sprawling each time he shoots in, or try to intercept his takedowns with a big counter strike. Keep away from the grappling game to nullify his most effective brand of offense.

If you end up fighting on the ground, forget about trying for submissions—”Smooth” has tremendous sub defense and is practically impossible to tap out.