Pettis wins title, but knee injury will take weeks of rehab
By BOB EMANUEL JR. | Scripps Howard News Service
This time, there was no need for a Showtime kick.
Former World Extreme Cagefighting lightweight champion Anthony Pettis defeated Benson Henderson for the second time since 2010 to win the Ultimate Fighting Championship’s lightweight title last weekend in the main event of UFC 164.
Pettis used the Showtime kick in 2010, a maneuver in which he bounded off the cage to deliver a kick to Henderson’s head, clinching a title in the WEC’s final event before it was absorbed into the UFC.
At UFC 164, Pettis again showed a dramatic flair. After he landed four kicks to the left side of Henderson’s body, Pettis attempted a cartwheel kick in the final minute of the first round. Henderson stuffed the move and gained top position, but Pettis grabbed Henderson’s right arm, locked on an armbar and got the submission victory with 31 seconds remaining in the round.
But Pettis did not emerge unscathed. He felt a pop in his left knee, and an MRI Tuesday showed a sprain that will require seven to eight weeks of rehabilitation.
“When you’re fighting the best in the world, injuries will happen,” Pettis said. “Ben Henderson was the champ for a reason. This guy is a true challenger and true warrior. I wasn’t expecting to come out of this fight untouched. I’m glad my face isn’t too messed up.”
T.J. Grant, who is scheduled to next face Henderson, is recovering from a concussion. Pettis, who also injured his right leg earlier this year and was forced to abandon a bout with featherweight champion Jose Aldo, would still like that fight.
“I’m here to prove I’m the best in the world,” he said. “Anybody around my weight class that’s contemplating coming to 155 or even at 145 … If he wants to fight me, let’s make it happen.”
Henderson will also likely work his way back into title contention. He won 16 of his last 18 fights, with the two losses to Pettis.
“I’ll be back, don’t worry,” Henderson said. “Anthony is a tough dude. He proved himself to be the No. 1 contender and he proved to be a champion. He got my arm and did a good job of twisting it in the right direction.”
