“I’m Still in Disbelief” – Tragedy Strikes UFC Legend’s Family as Former Champ Shares Heart-Rending Message After Father’s Demise

“Let’s just say if it wasn’t for my dad, Bob Dan Henderson would not be who he is today” – Dan Henderson wrote this about his father in his book. ‘Hendo’s father, a wrestler, took his son down the same road and raised him to be the combat sports icon that he is today. Unfortunately, Bill Henderson, passed away recently, as revealed by the former UFC champion via an emotional social media post.

He dedicated all his achievements and hard work to his father and gave him a heartfelt message. This bittersweet message by Henderson comes after the unfortunate demise of his father. The ex-MMA fighter and legend gave his heartfelt gratitude and love to his superhero and dedicated a message to him via X.

Dan Henderson’s tribute to his late father

Truly, this is an extremely sad time for the fighter and his family. The UFC 17 Middleweight Tournament Champion might have gotten all the cheers and shout-outs from fans while he was winning tournaments, but he gave all his gratitude to his father.

In a wholesome post via X, the ex-UFC and Pride FC champion posted several throwback pictures filled with nostalgia, along with a heartfelt message. Henderson wrote, “It is with great sadness that my father departed this world last Sunday morning. I’m still in disbelief. He was not just my dad — but a real-life superhero to me. His lessons on perseverance and resilience and the way he instilled in me the belief to never give up, have shaped me into the person I am today. Without his support and encouragement, I wouldn’t have achieved half of my accolades. I was fortunate to have him as my dad.”

He also spoke of how the father made an important impact in the family and considered his dad as his teacher and a wrestling coach Henderson ended the tribute by writing, “Countless lives have been touched by his wisdom and kindness, just as mine has. To those who have already offered their condolences, your kindness means more than words can express. We will soon gather to honor his memory and celebrate the life he lived.”

His father Bill Henderson was a big part of his training, and coaching in wrestling, because of which the younger Henderson became a legend, and made his family proud. He also previously posted on X that his dad is his BMF. Henderson’s father was also visibly muscular which was evident from the throwback pictures, and ‘Hendo’ hailed his training regimen on social media once. On that note, let’s take a look at some of the biggest achievements that Dan Henderson had in his MMA career.

Dan Henderson: A legend 

Henderson had started fighting from as early as UFC 17, and at UFC 100, he had successfully defeated his opponent, Michael Bisping. Going back to his fight with Michael Bisping, the duo were assigned to become coaches for the 9th season of ‘The Ultimate Fighter’.

‘Hendo’ is also brave enough to not shy away from revealing the truth about when he used to fight. He had said that he would have more money if he fought Bisping in this generation, because of the pay-per-view inclusion by Dana White.

The legend has a record of 32-15 in his MMA career and he’s also a Hall of Famer. He was also the first fighter to become a double champion in PRIDE Fighting Championships and Strikeforce. He has also written a book named Hendo: The American Athlete, where he spoke about the contribution that his father had made in his life.

There was a quote in the book that said, “Let’s just say if it wasn’t for my dad Bob Dan Henderson would not be who he is today.” The MMA legend discussed it with Undaunted Life podcast episode 536. He has always dedicated his achievements to his father and even now after his father’s demise, he keeps his dad’s memories, immortal.