Benson Henderson says his elbow won't be an issue following UFC 164 defeat

Last Saturday (August 31, 2013) at UFC 164 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Anthony Pettis captured the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) lightweight title, when he caught Benson Henderson in an armbar in the first round. Henderson attempted to escape, but was ultimately forced to verbally submit.

There was some concern that due to the angle and set up of the submission, that there was some some damage to Henderson's elbow. As a precaution, he even showed up to the post-fight press conference in a sling.

Henderson was examined by the Los Angeles Dodgers team physician, Dr. Brian Shafer, for a diagnosis. The prognosis was positive, as there is no structural damage to the elbow; however, he will have to do a couple weeks of rehab.

MMA Mania received an official statement from Henderson regarding the injury on Friday evening (Sept. 6, 2013).

My elbow isn't going to be an issue. Dr. Shafer said I can resume training immediately, but to take it slow and steady for a couple of weeks and do my rehab work. Of course I am anxious to get going full speed again but I will be smart and patient about it as well.

I want to thank my hardcore fans for their awesome support, not just in the past week, but throughout my career. I can be better. I will be better.

The bout with Pettis was a rematch from their classic at WEC 53. Henderson was not only fighting for redemption, but also for the record for consecutive lightweight title defenses. With such a definitive finish, the UFC has opted to move forward with the lightweight division, with Pettis facing TJ Grant in his first title defense.

For Henderson, this means that whenever he's finished with rehabilitation, he'll be forced to work his way back up the lightweight ladder. He's still ranked in the top five of the division in the official UFC media rankings so he's not too far away from the belt.