UFC champion Benson Henderson reminds fans what's important in life

The Canadian Press

SEATTLE - UFC lightweight champion Benson Henderson had a message to pass on after defending his title Saturday night.

"I love fighting, winning ... But there's a lot more important stuff than fighting, guys," he told the post-fight news conference.

"Show some love to your loved ones," he added. "Hug up on them. Cherish the time you have. Because you never know."

He said much the same in the cage immediately after defeating Nick Diaz, noting he had won with a heavy heart.

Henderson said the mother of training partners and best friends Yaotzin and Victor Meza was battling cancer. And the 17-year-old son of Joe Ervin, his business partner and friend, died last week in a hiking accident.

.