UFC fighters are known for their unique and sometimes peculiar habits, both inside and outside of the octagon. From Conor McGregor‘s signature walk to the cage to Rampage Jackson‘s chain and howling, these habits make each fighter stand out from the rest.
However, there is one former lightweight champion that arguably has the weirdest habit MMA fans have ever seen in the octagon. The fighter in question here is none other than Benson Henderson. Henderson has always had the habit of keeping a toothpick in his mouth. So much so that the viewers could even see a toothpick come out of Henderson’s mouth during his MMA fights.
Benson Henderson admits hiding toothpick in many of his fights
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During an appearance on The MMA Hour Show with Ariel Helwani, Henderson admitted that he has had a toothpick in his mouth for “a lot of fights” throughout his career. “For a lot of fights. It was just a bad habit. I would literally, like, go out to lunch or dinner or breakfast, you have the toothpicks from the restaurant. I would just forget I have it in, I would practice, I would do whatever. I’d leave it in for fights.”
Henderson also revealed during the interview that he had accidentally swallowed the toothpick during a visit to his mom’s house. He had been trying to jump-scare his mother, when he accidentally swallowed it. Thankfully, it did not cause any health issues.
Fans had a mixed reaction to Henderson‘s revelation. Some found it amusing, some were surprised, while others did not understand why Henderson would do such a thing. This may seem like a small thing, but it is actually a significant risk for a fighter to take.
One fan compared him to a Hollywood star.
This dude look like Michael B Jordan
— relax (@Rouge__Master) April 2, 2023
Another one was confused about Henderson’s motives behind this act
Is this pre-mouthguard?
— Karrots.eth (@thenfthooligan) April 3, 2023
One fan recalled the Nate Diaz fight that Henderson won.
Seeing someone with a toothpick in their mouth and win a title fight against a Diaz brother. #OneOfAKind
— Abe Ruvalcaba (@TheManAbraham) April 2, 2023
Another one had a unique observation.
Has anyone accidentally punched the toothpick? MMA version of the Minecraft Thorns enchantment.
— The Pugilist (@PugilistGaming) April 2, 2023
According to one fan, the world knew Henderson’s secret long ago.
He’s saying this like we didn’t catch him in 480p 10+ years ago 😂
— MMAEV (@MMA_EV) April 2, 2023
Another fan sarcastically took a shot at UFC officials.
Shows how good they check the fighters
— Canadian Lady (@Canadia17815459) April 2, 2023
One recalled his fight against Anthony Pettis.
So you’re telling me a toothpick is what robbed Showtime from having the greatest KO in combats sports history?
— Cam (@CameronNoble17) April 2, 2023
One fan wasn’t too pleased with Henderson’s tricks
Really weird hill to die on
— Tom (@boredandhony) April 2, 2023
Thus, fans recollected some of his past fights.
Benson Henderson’s UFC career
Despite the potential dangers of his habit, Henderson‘s UFC career was quite impressive. He fought in the UFC from 2011 to 2015, where he won 11 of his 14 fights. Henderson won the lightweight title in 2012 by defeating Frankie Edgar and defended it three times before losing it to Anthony Pettis in 2013.
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Henderson also fought at welterweight in his last two fights at UFC. He even managed to defeat Jorge Masvidal before moving to Bellator. Henderson recently fought his last fight at Bellator and lost to Usman Nurmagomedov.
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Benson Henderson‘s toothpick habit is certainly one of a kind and adds to the unique personalities of UFC fighters. What do you think about this? Comment down below.