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Habirora KO's Henderson in 20 Seconds at PFL Brussels

5/24/2026

Summary

Habirora KO's Henderson

Patrick Habirora knocked out Benson Henderson at 0:20 of round one during PFL Brussels on May 23, 2026.
The knockout gave Habirora a 1-0 record with one knockout on the event recap.
Henderson’s loss dropped him to a 30-13 record, marking his second consecutive welterweight defeat.
The referee stopped the bout after Habirora landed a short left and follow-up punches, the fastest welterweight finish on the Brussels card.

Summary

Habirora Triumphs

Habirora received the loudest ovation as the arena erupted in a welcome.
A saxophone player performed his music while fans chanted “Patrick! Patrick!” at the bout.
Habirora, 25, said through a French interpreter that sport should promote respect.
The bout highlighted a generational clash because Henderson won the UFC lightweight title in 2012 when Habirora was ten, and showed Habirora debuted in January 2024 with seven KOs in his eight fights.

Summary

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The PFL Brussels event streamed in the U.S. on the ESPN App and in Europe on RMC Sport (France) and ABX (Belgium), with talkSPORT Boxing for the U.K.
All fighters made weight, with Habirora weighing 170.9 lb and Henderson 171.0 lb.
Shane Campbell stepped in on short notice to face Ibragimov at a catchweight after Youssouf Binate withdrew.

Summary

Henderson Returns

PFL matchmaker Mike Kogan texted retired fighter Henderson twice before offering him a bout against Habirora in Brussels.
Odds makers listed Habirora as a -1600 favorite and Henderson as a +750 underdog.
Henderson trains at The MMA Lab in Phoenix, Arizona, and says his 2023 retirement let his wife focus on her own fighting career, prompting his comeback.

History

Historical Context

UFC 1 opened at Denver’s McNichols Sports Arena on November 12, 1993, where Royce Gracie won three bouts, including a 26-second stoppage, establishing mixed-martial arts as a televised sport. Co-founder Art Davie funded the event, and the octagon format set a template for later promotions. The rapid knockout by 25-year-old Patrick Habirora at PFL Brussels echoes that early-career finish, underscoring the lasting appeal of swift decisive victories.

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Habirora KO's Henderson

Patrick Habirora knocked out Benson Henderson at 0:20 of round one during PFL Brussels on May 23, 2026.
The knockout gave Habirora a 1-0 record with one knockout on the event recap.
Henderson’s loss dropped him to a 30-13 record, marking his second consecutive welterweight defeat.
The referee stopped the bout after Habirora landed a short left and follow-up punches, the fastest welterweight finish on the Brussels card.

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