MMAjunkie spoke to White about the situation and the respect was returned. He also said that the UFC could have matched the offer from Bellator, but chose not to.
“The truth is we made him an offer that would have paid him substantially more – like not even in the same ballpark – than he’s getting now if he were to become world champion again, but he chose their deal, which offered more up front,” White said. “He’s a former world champion who’s ranked No. 15 now. We’re looking for top-5 guys, guys that are going from 15 to 1, not the other way around.
“But I’m honestly happy for Benson. I’m not angry. Who knows? This could be the last contract he ever signs. He got the right deal for him. He’s a great guy, and we wish him all the best.”
LINK: Dana White: 'Great guy' Benson Henderson got 'right deal for him' in move to Bellator