“Just Join the UFC”: Fans React as “Absolute Monster” Usman Nurmagomedov Retires Benson Henderson at Bellator 292

Bellator MMA lightweight champion Usman Nurmagomedov added another win to his undefeated streak with a win over Benson Henderson at Bellator 292. The 24-year-old Dagestani star submitted 39-year-old Henderson in the very first round to improve his record to 17-0. Following the win, Henderson announced his retirement from mixed martial arts and left his gloves in the cage.

Nurmagomedov came into the fight as a heavy favorite and put forth a performance that justified the odds. The Russian lightweight sat Henderson down with a perfect question mark kick. He wasted little time dominating Henderson on the ground. Once Nurmagomedov had Henderson against the cage, he did the needful to secure a choke and force the tap.

With the loss, Henderson fell to 30-12 in his pro record and announced his departure from the sport.

Fans react to Usman Nurmagomedov’s win at Bellator 292

Fans on Twitter celebrated Nurmagomedov’s dominant win. Many of them shared their surprise at how easily the 24-year-old did away with a former UFC and WEC lightweight champion.

Following are some of the reactions from fans and pros on social media.

One fan asked the inevitable question about the Russian talent joining the UFC.

Another pointed out how the ‘Nurmagomedov’ name was gaining a reputation in the MMA world.

UFC welterweight star Belal Muhammad also shared his excitement at Usman Nurmagomedov’s win.

At 17-0, Usman Nurmagomedov is looking like a dominant force in the Bellator MMA lightweight division. While fans are celebrating the arrival of a young martial artist, they are also bidding goodbye to one of the game’s biggest names.

Benson Henderson retires

39-year-old Benson Henderson announced his retirement after a disappointing outing at Bellator 292. The former UFC and WEC champion did not have a pleasant swan song and Usman Nurmagomedov rag-dolled him into a submission loss.

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“Smooth” left his gloves in the cage after the fight and left as one of the absolute legends of the sport.

The fighter has had a long professional MMA career, which he started in 2006. In the UFC, he fought some big names like Frankie Edgar, Nate Diaz, Anthony Pettis, and Jorge Masvidal.

What are some of your favorite Benson Henderson moments? And what do you think is next for Usman Nurmagomedov?

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Let us know in the comments below.