Benson Henderson vs Gilbert Melendez — Fight recap

Benson Henderson defeated Gilbert Melendez by split decision over five rounds at UFC 162 on April 20, 2013. Henderson's striking efficiency proved decisive, landing 68 significant strikes at 40% accuracy while Melendez managed only 43 of 191 attempts at 22%.

The lightweight champion controlled the cage with 1:28 of control time versus Melendez's 0:52, dictating the pace through superior volume and precision. Henderson's leg kick game was particularly effective, landing 28 of 34 attempts, while Melendez's wrestling proved largely ineffective, converting his sole takedown attempt but unable to build sustained pressure.

Neither fighter scored knockdowns or submission attempts, making this a striking-based affair where Henderson's consistency and accuracy across five rounds outpointed Melendez's lower-volume approach. The split decision reflected the fight's competitive nature, but Henderson's output and efficiency secured his hold on the lightweight title against a formidable challenger.