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Back when WEC was still running, fans witnessed a fight of epic proportions when Ben Henderson fought Anthony Pettis for the WEC lightweight championship. It was a back-and-forth fight each round, and then the unthinkable happened. Pettis jumped off the cage and landed one of the most iconic kicks ever seen inside the cage, a kick deemed ‘The Showtime’ kick’. The judges awarded Pettis the lightweight belt, sealing his fate has being the very last WEC lightweight champion.
Today, the UFC’s lightweight division is being dominated by Henderson, who was able to defeat Frankie Edgar to get the belt. He would then defend it against Edgar, Nate Diaz and finally against Gilbert Melendez. His next opponent was going to be the rising prospect, T.J. Grant, but an injury forced him out of the bout. Now, Pettis steps in against Henderson, in what should be a bout that has Fight-Of-The-Year potential.
Both fighters have expressed their interest in the rematch, and now it looks like they finally get their chance. Henderson has been chomping at the bit to avenge the Pettis loss, and he certainly has improved every time he has fought under the UFC banner. Same could be said about Pettis. His latest victory over Donald Cerrone was a striking clinic, and if there is ever a fighter to challenge Henderson on the feet, it’s Pettis.
This bout should be exciting from start to finish. Both are some of the most athletic and talented guys in all of the UFC, and it will be interesting to see how each prepare for the rematch.
