The 5 Most Devastating Secrets Behind Benson Henderson's Legendary Axe Kick

Benson "Smooth" Henderson is one of the most decorated and durable mixed martial artists of his generation, a former champion in both the WEC and the UFC, whose career is defined by relentless cardio, a never-say-die attitude, and an arsenal of unique strikes. As of today, December 15, 2025, the conversation around Henderson is fresh again following his recent signing with the Global Fight League (GFL) in late 2024, a move that keeps his name relevant even after his official retirement from active competition earlier that year. His legacy, however, is forever tied to one of the most visually spectacular and technically brilliant techniques ever seen in the Octagon: the devastating Axe Kick.

The axe kick, often referred to as a "hammer kick" or "stretch kick," is a move that perfectly encapsulates Henderson’s creative and unpredictable fighting style. It is a technique rarely executed effectively in high-level MMA, yet "Smooth" wielded it as a legitimate weapon, using his deep martial arts roots to popularize a strike that was both a show-stopper and a fight-ender. This article dives deep into the technical brilliance, history, and lasting impact of this signature move, exploring the five core secrets that made Benson Henderson's axe kick truly legendary.

Benson "Smooth" Henderson: Career Biography and Latest Update

Benson Henderson, born on November 16, 1983, is an American former professional mixed martial artist known for his exceptional athleticism and championship pedigree. His career spans three major organizations—the World Extreme Cagefighting (WEC), the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC), and Bellator MMA—where he consistently competed against the world's elite.

• The Unseen Story Jessica Simpsons Battle For Privacy And Body Image In A Digital Age Mlvqa

• Full Name: Benson Henderson
• Nickname: "Smooth"
• Born: November 16, 1983 (Age 42 as of late 2025)
• Nationality: American
• Stance: Southpaw (primarily)
• Height: 5 ft 9 in (175 cm)
• Weight Class: Lightweight (primarily), Welterweight
• Martial Arts Background: Taekwondo (Black Belt, 5th Dan), Wrestling, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ Black Belt)
• Major Titles: Former WEC Lightweight Champion, Former UFC Lightweight Champion
• Retirement: Announced retirement after a first-round submission loss to Usman Nurmagomedov at Bellator 292 in March 2023, during the Bellator Lightweight World Grand Prix.
• Latest Update (Dec 2024): Signed by the Global Fight League (GFL), suggesting a potential role outside of active competition, likely as an analyst, ambassador, or coach, ensuring his influence continues in the sport.

1. The Taekwondo Foundation: The Secret to Its Athleticism

The first and most crucial secret behind the effectiveness of Benson Henderson's axe kick lies in his extensive background in Taekwondo. Henderson is a highly accomplished martial artist, holding a 5th-degree black belt in the Korean discipline. This deep-seated knowledge of traditional striking arts provided him with the flexibility, balance, and, most importantly, the specific hip mobility required to execute the axe kick with devastating force.

In Taekwondo, the axe kick is a fundamental technique, often taught as a powerful, downward-chopping strike. Unlike a roundhouse kick, which strikes with the shin or instep, the axe kick is designed to land with the heel or the ball of the foot, driving down onto the opponent's head, shoulder, or collarbone. Henderson's years of practice allowed him to seamlessly integrate this high-risk, high-reward move into the unpredictable flow of an MMA fight, turning a traditional martial arts technique into a modern combat weapon.

2. The Hammer Kick Mechanics: Vertical Drop and Targeting

The axe kick, or hammer kick, is technically distinct from other high kicks. It involves raising the leg high above the opponent's head and then forcefully driving the heel downwards in a chopping motion. The effectiveness of Henderson's version was his ability to use it in two key ways:

• The Chilling True Story 5 Key Facts About Richard Evonitz The Serial Killer Who Kidnapped Kara Robinson Chamberlain Xpjje

First, as a Range-Finder: Henderson often used the kick to gauge distance and force a reaction, even if it didn't land flush. The sheer height of the kick forces the opponent to momentarily cover up, creating openings for his follow-up strikes, like his notorious "legpunches" or a quick jab.

Second, as a Decisive Blow: When landed flush on the crown of the head or the neck, the downward force delivers a massive amount of kinetic energy, capable of a knockout or, at the very least, severely rocking the opponent. The speed of the vertical drop, a trademark of his Taekwondo training, made it exceptionally difficult to block or evade, often catching opponents completely off guard who were anticipating a horizontal strike.

3. The Iconic Moment: Axe Kicking Nate Diaz at UFC on Fox 5

No discussion of the Benson Henderson axe kick is complete without mentioning his legendary performance against Nate Diaz at UFC on Fox 5 in December 2012. This fight, where Henderson successfully defended his UFC Lightweight Championship, served as the ultimate showcase for his diverse striking arsenal.

• Shania Twains Bold Statement Why The Star Chose Nude Photoshoots At 57 Qf9cg

In a dominant performance, Henderson used the axe kick multiple times. One of the most famous instances occurred just before the horn sounded at the end of a round, where he dropped an axe kick onto Diaz's body and shoulder. While the kick didn't end the fight, the visual of the powerful, unorthodox strike landing on a tough opponent like Diaz cemented the move's place in MMA history. The sheer audacity of attempting such a kick in a championship bout against a high-level contender like Diaz is a testament to Henderson's confidence in his technical ability.

4. The Unpredictable Setup: Disguising the Stretch Kick

A key to effective striking in MMA is deception, and Henderson mastered the art of disguising his stretch kick. Because the axe kick requires a significant wind-up and a high chamber, a predictable execution would result in an easy block or counter. Henderson circumvented this by using it as a counter-intuitive follow-up to other, more common strikes.

His opponents were often preoccupied with defending his powerful calf kicks and his relentless wrestling threat. Henderson would frequently use his lead leg to throw low kicks or even fake a takedown, drawing the opponent's eyes and hands downward. Once their guard was lowered, the axe kick would come rocketing up and then crashing down from an unexpected vertical angle. This ability to chain together strikes from different levels—low calf kick, mid-level punch, high axe kick—is what made his offense so difficult to decode and defend against, adding layers to his tactical genius.

5. The Legacy Continues: From Retirement to the Global Fight League

While the axe kick is a highlight from his UFC and Bellator days, its legacy is now part of a broader story of a champion's enduring impact. After a long and storied career that saw him claim titles in two major organizations and compete in the Bellator Lightweight World Grand Prix, Henderson officially announced his retirement after his loss to the undefeated champion Usman Nurmagomedov in March 2023.

However, the latest and most relevant news is his signing with the Global Fight League (GFL) in late 2024. This move suggests that while "Smooth" may no longer be executing the axe kick in active competition, his technical expertise will continue to shape the sport. His role with the GFL will likely involve mentoring the next generation of fighters, meaning the Taekwondo fundamentals and the creative striking philosophy that birthed the axe kick will be passed on. This ensures that the unique techniques Henderson popularized, including the hammer kick and the calf kick, will remain a part of the modern MMA lexicon, influencing future champions who seek to blend traditional martial arts with high-level mixed martial arts competition. His enduring legacy is not just the titles he won, but the spectacular, unforgettable strikes he landed.