SAN JOSE, Calif. – Bellator lightweight Adam Piccolotti has been watching Benson Henderson since “forever.” But by his own estimation, he’s always thought he could beat the former UFC champion.

After getting the call to fight him at Bellator 220, he was even more sure.

“I’ve always been a confident person,” Piccolotti told MMAjunkie in advance of the DAZN-streamed fight on Saturday at SAP Center. “Once he signed, it (was like) OK, this could be a reality soon.”

Henderson (26-8 MMA, 3-3 BMMA) didn’t quite have the same reaction when he put pen to paper. Facing an opponent with half his experience wasn’t what he had in mind when he envisioned his path to another lightweight title shot in Bellator.

Even now, Henderson (11-2 MMA, 7-2 BMMA) respects Piccolotti but sees him as little more than a landmine to avoid on the way to the winner of Michael Chandler vs. Patricio “Pitbull” Freire next month.

“That’s fine,” Piccolotti said. “Think what he wants. He’s the big name. It is what it is. There’s obviously, on paper, more to gain for me. But he’ll soon realize. And looking back when I have that belt, he’ll realize what he said was a mistake.”

Piccolotti relishes the idea of spoiling plans. If Bellator gives him a title shot, he’s more than ready.

“That’s always a motivation,” Piccolotti said. “Whether it’s whoever loses that title fight, or whatever Bellator has in store for me, that’s the goal.”

For more on Bellator 220, check out the MMA Rumors section of the site.