Unheralded Henderson set to defend UFC title

SEATTLE - Ask the average mixed martial arts fan to name the nine UFC champions, and Benson Henderson might be among the last ones he rattles off.

For whatever reason, the 29-year-old doesn't get the same level of respect or credit as some of his fellow Ultimate Fighting Championship titleholders.

In fact, a recent media conference call promoting tonight's card headlined by Henderson's lightweight title defense against Nate Diaz yielded just one question to the champion in the first 45 minutes.

Henderson is presented with a golden opportunity to seize the spotlight as he is showcased on national television on the UFC on Fox 5 card tonight.

Henderson, however, believes building his profile is more of a process that he continues to work on over time.

"You want to raise good kids, but it doesn't happen in one day. You want to be a great fighter, but it doesn't happen overnight," he said. "It takes time. You lay the groundwork, stay on the grind, and then eventually you get those big huge national deals with TV stations that are seen worldwide. If I keep on winning and keep putting the work in, then everything else falls into place.

"I just need to continue doing what I'm doing. It's all a process."

What he has been doing is winning fights. The method by which he has done so has been criticized and might be one of the reasons for the lack of enthusiasm for the former World Extreme Cagefighting champ, who is 5-0 since joining the UFC, with all five wins coming by decision.

He won the title with a narrow decision over Frankie Edgar in February, then squeaked out another decision in the rematch.

Henderson says he understands why there have been detractors coming out of those two fights, but he doesn't care.

He's not going to let it alter his style.

"The first one was close, and everyone was hoping the second one wouldn't be as close, but sadly it was even closer than the first. It is what it is," Henderson said. "As far as me facing Nate, I'm just trying to get my hand raised however I can. If he slips on a banana peel, I'll take it."

UFC president Dana White said Henderson can propel himself to a new level with a win tonight, particularly with a strong performance on network TV against an aggressive and explosive fighter such as Diaz.

"I don't think (Henderson has) had his due yet. He's had tough, close fights where people are saying he may have lost the fight. This is the fight for him right here," White said. "Nate Diaz is mean and nasty and finishes people by knockout or submission. I think this is the fight for Ben Henderson. (If) he wins this fight in decisive fashion, or even if he wins a decision, he should finally start getting the respect he's due.

"This is a big fight for Ben."

Alexander Gustafsson also has a huge opportunity on the card.

The 25-year-old Swede could go from talented future star to title contender with a win over former light heavyweight champion Mauricio "Shogun" Rua.

A winner of five straight since his only loss, Gustafsson has been hesitant to declare himself ready for a title bout. He says this fight will get him to that point, however.

"This is the most important fight of my career," Gustafsson said. "By far, this is the toughest guy. When I win, I will be ready for the champion."

White confirmed the winner will fight for the belt in mid-2013.

The card, which airs live on Fox at 5 p.m., also features a welterweight bout between rising star Rory MacDonald and former champion BJ Penn.

The six-fight preliminary card will air live on FX (Cable 24) at 2 p.m. One fight will air on Facebook at 1:30.

One change was made to the undercard Friday. Lightweight Tim Means slipped and fell in the sauna while trying to make weight. He was injured and will be unable to compete, but Marcus LeVesseur, who lost his opponent from the card last week, agreed to fill in for Means and fight Abel Trujillo.

Contact reporter Adam Hill at ahill@reviewjournal.com or 702-224-5509. Follow him on Twitter: @adamhilllvrj.