The Professional Fighters League (PFL) is set for a massive weekend as former UFC lightweight champion Benson “Smooth” Henderson officially comes out of retirement. The 42-year-old will headline PFL Brussels, stepping into the cage for the first time since hanging up his gloves in 2023. He will be facing a monumental challenge, as he will fight the undefeated Belgian prospect Patrick Habirora in the welterweight main event.
PFL Brussels takes place at the ING Arena in Brussels, Belgium, on Sat., May 23. The card will be available to watch with a standard ESPN+ subscription.Prelims will start at 12:30 p.m. ET / 9:30 a.m. PT. The main card starts at 3 p.m. ET / 12 p.m. PT.
Grab your popcorn and get ready for the @5klabastoss show 🍿😤
Generations collide on Saturday, May 23rd as undefeated Patrick Habirora aims to make a statement against MMA legend Benson Henderson#PFLBrussels | Saturday, May 23rd | Prelims 12:30PM EST | Main Card 3PM ET on the… pic.twitter.com/n83GcA80AE— PFL (@PFLMMA) May 18, 2026
This marks Henderson’s PFL debut after a storied career that saw him capture and defend the vaunted UFC lightweight title and contend for titles in Bellator. For the local fans, the fight represents a classic clash between a proven legend and one of Europe’s brightest rising stars.
David Fitzgerald
Henderson originally retired from mixed martial arts following a first-round TKO loss to Usman Nurmagomedov at Bellator 292 in March 2023. I was actually in attendance for that card in San Jose, Calif., and the atmosphere during Nurmagomedov’s performance was electric (via BellatorMMA on YouTube):
While that defeat marked the end of his MMA career, Henderson did not remain idle during his time away from the cage. He stayed active by competing in wrestling competitions for Real American Freestyle, boxing under the Misfits Boxing banner, and even taking a fight in Karate Combat against his old rival, Anthony Pettis:
The PFL formally announced Benson’s return to competition earlier this year in March, catching the attention of the combat sports world. Henderson’s career resume includes victories over the UFC’s lightweight elite, including Frankie Edgar, Nate Diaz, and Patricio Pitbull. Despite his age, Henderson has remained relatively competitive, posting a 3-3 record in his last six MMA appearances before his initial retirement.
Watch his fight against Nate Diaz here:
Who is Henderson’s Opponent?
Standing across the cage from him is Patrick Habirora, a 24-year-old powerhouse boasting a perfect 8-0 record.
Habirora has made waves in the promotion with a knack for highlight-reel finishes, including recent knockout victories over established names like Kevin Jousset (via PFLEurope on YouTube):
He also has an impressive head kick finish of Danny Roberts (via PFL on X):
LIGHTS OUT AND GOODNIGHT! 💡🇧🇪
BELGIUM'S OWN PATRICK HABIRORA SENDS THE BRUSSELS CROWD HAPPY WITH A HEAD KICK KO OVER DANNY ROBERTS! #PFLBrussels pic.twitter.com/FUJmGzZJDQ— PFL (@PFLMMA) July 5, 2025
Competing on home soil, Habirora will have the Brussels crowd on his side as he looks to make a name off the legendary Henderson.
The high stakes make this one of the most intriguing matchups on the promotion’s European calendar.
The main card also includes UFC veteran Taylor Lapilus taking on Jake Hadley, as well as an exciting matchup between Belgian striker Boris Mbarga Atangana and Jared Gooden.