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[Cat--Smasher]

Champ Benson Henderson turned to UFC notables for career-longevity advice

"As a young guy, I knew I was going to make plenty of mistakes, so I wanted to pick the brains of the older guys," Henderson told MMAjunkie.com (UFC blog for UFC news, UFC rumors, fighter interviews and event previews/recaps | MMAjunkie.com).

B.J. Penn, Kenny Florian and Rich Franklin are among the veterans whom Henderson sought out, and he now credits them for his development as a fighter.

During a visit in 2009 to Florian's gym in Massachusetts, the 28-year-old champ picked his brain about opportunities outside the cage. Florian was earning his stripes as an occasional UFC commentator and had yet to take jobs as a regular broadcaster for televised events and an MMA analyst on FOX.

"I asked him about how to segue into broadcasting and what it took to run his own gym like the Florian Martial Arts Center," Henderson said.

A 2010 training stint with ex-champ Penn taught Henderson about staying in the game. Penn, of course, has competed in the UFC since 2001, and despite a reputation for occasional gym slacking, he boasts one of the most accomplished resumes in the sport. In fact, it was Penn who held the belt before Frankie Edgar took it from him before ceding it to Henderson.

Former WEC champ Henderson (17-2 MMA, 5-0 UFC), who's set to defend his title against Nate Diaz (16-7 MMA, 11-5 UFC) in December's UFC on FOX 5 main event at Seattle's KeyArena, asked him about what it took to stay motivated and how Penn was able to fight at a high level for so long.

"Thanks to their insight, it helped me to become the fighter that I am," Henderson said. "If not for those pearls of wisdom from B.J. and Kenny Florian, I wouldn't be where I am now."

Henderson, though, hasn't stopped asking questions. On a recent PR trip to Mumbai, India, the 28-year-old champ peppered former middleweight champ Rich Franklin for longevity tips and how to avoid gym burnout.

Franklin told him that when he was Henderson's age, he was in the gym seven hours a day. At 38 years old, he had whittled that down to four – two in the morning and two at night.

The ex-champ also advised a skeptical Henderson to start using supplements.

"I've never taken protein or amino acids," Henderson said. "I've always been all-natural. I wanted food to be my source. I didn't like supplements. But as I am getting older, I want to take care of my body. You've got to be careful with supplements and make sure you take the right ones."

Champ Benson Henderson turned to UFC notables for career-longevity advice | MMAjunkie.com

[lwbrewer]

Ben has always seemed to have a good head on his shoulders. Agree on the supplements, and Bendo is making good money now were he can get his blood, hair and what ever tested to see what he is lacking. Also avoid whats not legal to keep his body at top level, and lead a longer healthier life. Barring any bad injuries Hendo should be around a long time at a high level. He worked his way out of the trenches and knows were he came from I like that.

[cnlclink]

The more time that goes by the more I begin to like Benson...sort of hahaha (still don't like him because he beat Cerrone (2 times) however he seems genuine and a nice guy overall. Anyway I am surprised that he doesn't take supps even now. If that is true, I have no reason to believe otherwise, that is pretty great and I will be pulling for him to win a bit more. Against Diaz for me it's a no brainer!

I don't know if Penn is the greatest to get tips from but who knows, tips don't have to be about training right...sorry Penn lovers.

[W.Silva>C.Norris]

Originally Posted by cnlclink

The more time that goes by the more I begin to like Benson...sort of hahaha (still don't like him because he beat Cerrone (2 times) however he seems genuine and a nice guy overall. Anyway I am surprised that he doesn't take supps even now. If that is true, I have no reason to believe otherwise, that is pretty great and I will be pulling for him to win a bit more. Against Diaz for me it's a no brainer!

I don't know if Penn is the greatest to get tips from but who knows, tips don't have to be about training right...sorry Penn lovers.

Disagree. Penn, for all the talk of lack of desire, motivation, whatever, has been a top-tier competitor his entire MMA career, and hasnt really lost too much off his game for it. Id listen to what he has to say on the subject of staying on the top.

[dbader08]

^Definitely. Bj's got that warrior spirit. I bet he knows ALOT about the psychology of fighting. Especially when he is on top of his game, he is so focused and almost seems fearless, yet he still has enough respect for his opponent and his defense is still very sound.

[cnlclink]

Originally Posted by W.Silva>C.Norris

Disagree. Penn, for all the talk of lack of desire, motivation, whatever, has been a top-tier competitor his entire MMA career, and hasnt really lost too much off his game for it. Id listen to what he has to say on the subject of staying on the top.

I was talking about his training drive and tips related to that.

[W.Silva>C.Norris]

Originally Posted by cnlclink

I was talking about his training drive and tips related to that.

Id guess it was ken and rich he was talking to for training drive tips out of those 3 myself