Dan Henderson Biography: Wife, Age, Children, Net Worth, Height, Parents, Career, Olympics

Daniel Jeffery Henderson, known as “Hendo,” is a retired American mixed martial artist celebrated for his storied career across multiple promotions, including the UFC, PRIDE, and Strikeforce. He is renowned for his powerful right hand, dubbed the “H-Bomb,” and his wrestling pedigree as a two-time U.S. Olympian.

Henderson held the PRIDE Middleweight and Welterweight Championships simultaneously and won the Strikeforce Light Heavyweight Championship in 2011. His iconic knockouts of fighters like Fedor Emelianenko and Michael Bisping solidified his legacy.

Profile

• Full Name: Daniel Jeffery Henderson
• Stage Name: Hendo
• Born: August 24, 1970
• Age: 54 years old
• Birthplace: Downey, California, USA
• Nationality: American
• Occupation: Retired Mixed Martial Artist, Coach
• Height: 1.8 m
• Parents: Bill Henderson
• Siblings: Tom Henderson
• Spouse: Rachel Henderson (m. 2015)
• Children: Sierra Henderson, Reese Henderson, Dannika Henderson
• Relationship: Married
• Net Worth: $8 million

Early Life and Education

Daniel Jeffery Henderson was born on August 24, 1970, in Downey, California, and raised in Apple Valley, California. His father’s name is Bill Henderson, while the identity of his mother is unknown. His parents supported his early athletic pursuits, and he grew up alongside his brother, Tom Henderson, who also wrestled.

Dan excelled in wrestling at Victor Valley High School, winning multiple state championships. He attended Cal State Fullerton, competing as a collegiate wrestler, and later qualified for the U.S. Olympic Greco-Roman wrestling team in 1992 and 1996.

His ethnicity is Caucasian, and his religion is not publicly disclosed.

Career

Dan Henderson began his career in mixed martial arts in 1997, debuting at the Brazil Open Lightweight Tournament, where he won two fights in one night. His wrestling credentials and raw power led to early success in the UFC, where he won the UFC 17 Middleweight Tournament in 1998 by defeating Carlos Newton and Allan Goes.

Henderson joined PRIDE Fighting Championships in 1999, defeating top fighters like Gilbert Yvel and Renzo Gracie. In 2005, he became the first fighter to hold two PRIDE titles simultaneously, winning the Welterweight (183 lbs) and Middleweight (205 lbs) Championships by defeating Murilo Bustamante and Kazuo Misaki.

Henderson’s career peaked with his PRIDE tenure, where he faced elite competition, including Wanderlei Silva and Antônio Rodrigo Nogueira. After PRIDE’s dissolution in 2007, he returned to the UFC, delivering a memorable knockout of Michael Bisping at UFC 100 in 2009.

In 2011, he won the Strikeforce Light Heavyweight Championship by knocking out Rafael Cavalcante and later defeated Fedor Emelianenko in a historic bout. His 2011 Fight of the Year against Mauricio “Shogun” Rua at UFC 139 remains a classic.

Despite losses to Rashad Evans and Lyoto Machida, Henderson’s durability kept him competitive into his 40s.

Henderson retired in 2016 after a knockout loss to Michael Bisping at UFC 204, finishing with a 32-15 record. Post-retirement, he has focused on coaching at his Team Quest gym in Temecula, California, mentoring fighters like Chael Sonnen and Ronda Rousey.

Henderson’s contributions earned him a 2018 induction into the UFC Hall of Fame for his fight against Rua. He occasionally appears in MMA media, sharing insights on modern fighters.

His legacy as a two-sport athlete and pioneer of American MMA continues to inspire, with fans on X praising his relentless style and iconic knockouts.

Social Media

• Instagram Handle: @danhendo
• Facebook Handle: Dan Henderson
• Twitter Handle: @danhendo

Personal Life

Dan Henderson married Rachel Henderson in 2015, and they have three children: Sierra, Reese, and Dannika. The family resides in Temecula, California, where Henderson runs his Team Quest gym. Known for his reserved demeanor, he values privacy but is dedicated to his family and coaching.

Net Worth

Dan Henderson has an estimated net worth of around $8 million USD. His wealth primarily comes from fight purses, bonuses, and sponsorships earned during his UFC, PRIDE, and Strikeforce careers. Additional income stems from his Team Quest gym, coaching fees, and endorsements with brands like Clinch Gear.