MMA fighter and Olympic wrestler Dan Henderson is bringing his unmatched grit from the cage to Temecula with the opening of Hendo’s Barrel House – a 32,000-square-foot lifestyle compound opening in Temecula. Opening May 31, Hendo’s is home to seven different concepts. At the center is Hendo’s Gym, a high-energy MMA and fitness center offering cross-training, wrestling, jiu-jitsu, kickboxing, and functional fitness. Hendo’s Barrel House serves as the culinary and social heart of the space – a lively brewery, distillery, and steakhouse offering a menu of burgers, wings, tacos, and classic cuts. The Juice + Coffee Bar provides fuel for any part of the day, featuring fresh juices, smoothies, and barista-crafted coffee. Rounding out the concept is The Butcher Shop, selling hand-selected meats and specialty cuts.
To celebrate its grand opening, Hendo’s is hosting a full weekend of events. The festivities will kick off with a ribbon-cutting ceremony featuring Temecula Mayor Brenden Kalfus on May 31 at 11am. Country artist Tyler Farr will take the stage May 31st at 7 pm, followed by a performance by Michael Ray on June 1st at 1pm. Both concerts are free, but space is limited so be sure to arrive early!
“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.
Hendo’s Fight Nights will also be the ultimate destination for fight fans, hosting electrifying fight nights that bring the excitement of live MMA action to Temecula. These events will feature thrilling screenings of major matchups. With the next fight nights scheduled for August 9 and November 8, Hendo’s is set to deliver high-energy viewing parties complete with food and drinks.
