Result
FinalMMA

Anthony Pettis vs Benson Henderson — Fight recap

Fight statistics

This fight
Anthony PettisBenson Henderson
1Knockdowns0
42 / 99Significant strikes38 / 112
130 / 195Total strikes97 / 173
2 / 2Takedowns3 / 10
6:21Control time6:37

Strike targeting

This fight · Strikes landed
Anthony Pettis
Anthony Pettis · Strikes landed: 42 Head57%24/42 Body24%10/42 Leg19%8/42
Benson Henderson
Benson Henderson · Strikes landed: 38 Head32%12/38 Body39%15/38 Leg29%11/38
Current career comparison
Anthony PettisBenson Henderson
39Age42
5' 10Height5' 9
72Reach70
3.05Strikes landed / min2.93
47%Strike accuracy45%
54%Strike defense63%
0.61Takedowns / 15 min2.40
60%Takedown defense63%
Match report

Anthony Pettis defeated Benson Henderson via unanimous decision after five rounds on December 16, 2010, with referee Herb Dean overseeing the bout. Pettis controlled the striking volume with 42 significant strikes landed at 42% accuracy compared to Henderson's 38 of 112, while showcasing superior takedown efficiency at 100% (2 of 2) versus Henderson's 30% (3 of 10).

The bout featured nearly identical control time, with Henderson holding 6:37 to Pettis's 6:21, indicating a competitive grappling exchange throughout. Pettis landed a knockdown and connected on four submission attempts, demonstrating offensive pressure that judges favored across all three cards.

The decision marked a significant victory for Pettis in the lightweight division's upper echelon, positioning him as a title contender while raising questions about Henderson's path forward at 155 pounds.