Ben Henderson is used to taking on all comers, usually never raising one of his eyebrows at the announcement of his next opponent, but the notice that TJ Grant was on deck for him shocked the incumbent UFC champion. As usual, though. Ben was able to spin his shock into a glowing review of his new opponent’s performance over Gray Maynard, who Ben and the rest of the world thought would win.
“I am a little bit surprised. I think most people had Gray winning. Most people picked Gray to win and not only did T.J. prove everyone wrong, but in the manner and in the fashion that he did it, pretty impressive performance for him. I did (think Maynard was going to win). I thought Gray was going to be the next guy I faced. I was already kind of preparing for that and now I got a new guy to prepare for.
I don’t know a whole lot about T.J. to be honest. I know he’s 5-0 at 155 now, he used to be a 170 pounder. From what I’ve seen of him, from the promos and highlights and stuff, he doesn’t seem too flashy. He’s one of those guys, a grinder, good fundamentals and solid. It is going to be my job to learn about him the next month or so to get ready for him.”
TJ Grant is kind of the 2013 Jim Miller mixed with Pat Healy. In fact, the average fan would have a hell of a time discerning between those three guys in a line up, and they all kind of fight the same way too… Odd. Either way, Ben Henderson has a few more bearded white dudes to fight, and it looks like he’s game for the challenge.
