UFC 164: Henderson wants revenge but lightning could strike twice

There is no doubt that Benson Henderson considers his 2010 loss to Anthony Pettis, where the current number one lightweight in the world relinquished his WEC Lightweight belt, the most frustrating of blemishes on an otherwise exemplary record.

Henderson, who has gone on to claim seven straight victories, claiming and defending the UFC Lighteweight title three times, now has a chance to avenge that defeat and is priced at 20/23 to do so.

However, the 29-year-old’s ascent to the pinnacle of the UFC has not been one without difficulty, with at least two contentious decisions going in his favour. In fact, since that loss, all seven of Henderson’s victories have come by decision and it is 3/2 that the judges score in favour of the champ at the end of the bout.

The first fight saw Pettis win by decision in a hard fought battle. It was, however, a stunning kick off the cage to Henderson’s head which perhaps swung an even fight in his favour. Pettis is 11/4 to claim another decision this time.

While ’Showtime’ is more than capable of going the full five rounds, he has earnt this fight thanks to recent knockouts over Joe Lauzon and Donald Cerrone. A trademark kick to the head floored Lauzon and a flurry of punches caused the referee to stop the fight while a swinging shin to Cerrone’s body put that bout to rest. With seven knockouts to his name, it is clear Pettis likes to get the job done early and it is 10/3 he wins by KO or TKO.

Henderson has improved his striking, particularly his point-scoring kicks but it is his exceptional groundwork that wins him fights. Against Pettis’ extraordinary kickboxing arsenal, he could find it difficult to dictate range like he has in recent fights and it could be the case that Henderson finds himself handing the belt to the Wisconsin man yet again.

All Odds and Markets are correct as of the date of publishing.

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