“After dedicating so much of my life to competition, it feels incredible to step into this next chapter where I can build something that brings people together,” said Dan Henderson, Owner of Hendo’s Barrel House in a statement. “Hendo’s is more than just a business – it’s a reflection of my journey, my values, and my commitment to community, health, and hard work. I’m excited to create a space where people can train, recover, eat great food, and connect with one another – just like I’ve always loved to do.”
Dan Henderson, born August 24, 1970, is a retired American MMA fighter and Olympic wrestler, known for competing across multiple weight divisions and leaving a lasting impact on the sport. A Downey, California native, he represented the U.S. in Greco-Roman wrestling at the 1992 and 1996 Olympics. Transitioning to MMA in 1997, Henderson quickly made his mark, winning the Brazil Open Lightweight Tournament and the UFC 17 Middleweight Tournament. He competed in multiple weight classes, often against heavier opponents. His time in Pride Fighting Championships was historic – winning the 2005 Welterweight Grand Prix and becoming the first fighter to hold two division titles simultaneously after defeating Wanderlei Silva in 2007.
Henderson returned to the UFC in 2007, facing top-tier opponents like Quinton “Rampage” Jackson and Anderson Silva. He later claimed the Strikeforce Light Heavyweight Championship, further cementing his legacy. Henderson’s epic five-round battle against Maurício “Shogun” Rua at UFC 139 in 2011 was inducted into the UFC Hall of Fame’s Fight Wing in 2018. This fight is widely regarded as one of the greatest in MMA history. After an unforgettable title fight against Michael Bisping at UFC 204 in 2016, Henderson retired as the oldest active UFC fighter at the time.
