Before He Was Famous — Benson Henderson’s Rejected TUF Audition Tape Revealed

Before becoming one of the best fighters in the world, former UFC Lightweight Champion Benson Henderson auditioned to be a cast member of The Ultimate Fighter.

In 2008, before he fought in either the UFC or WEC, Henderson made an audition tape to compete on the reality television show. The entire audition can be viewed below.

“It’s my time to dance under the big lights,” Henderson said on his audition tape. “I will win season nine of The Ultimate Fighter and I will fight for the title. You’re looking at the future lightweight champion in the UFC.”

Unfortunately, Henderson did not compete on TUF. However, just over three years later, Henderson would win the UFC Lightweight Championship.

After making his audition tape, Henderson’s next fight was his WEC debut. He went on to win the WEC Lightweight Championship before joining the UFC in 2011. In 2012, Henderson defeated Frankie Edgar to become UFC champion. He went on to defend his title on three separate occasions defeating Edgar, Gilbert Melendez, and Nate Diaz.

Henderson is currently fighting for Bellator MMA. He is coming off a split decision loss to Bellator Lightweight Champion Michael Chandler in November.