Benson Henderson Photo: Josh Hedges / Zuffa LLC via Getty Images
Jiu-Jitsu saves!
BJJ black belt Benson Henderson gave what the fans wanted and put on an amazing performance this Saturday night in Broomfield, Colorado.
In the main event of UFC Fight Night 60, the former lightweight champion made his debut in the welterweight division against Brandon Thatch.
Exactly four weeks after a true war against Donald “Cowboy” Cerrone, Bendo was at it again for another five-round battle.
On rounds 1 and 2, Thatch used his size advantage to chase henderson around the octagon and the fight seemed to be one punch away from an early stoppage on several occasions.
“I was not going to stand in front of a big guy like Thatch. He hits like a truck! That’s why I tried to be more elusive on the first two rounds”said Benson after the match.
From round three on, Thatch was visibly more tired than Henderson and the former champion took advantage of that.
A first takedown followed by a back take ended round 3 with Benson trying to get the choke in place, but not being able to.
Round 4 started the same way with Benson getting a fast takedown and getting to Thatch’s back.
This time, the arm went right under the chin and the tap came seconds later.
Ps. Bendo did all that with the toothpick in his mouth.
Asked if he’s gonna stay at 170lb or go back to 155lb, Henderson was as elusive as he was in the fight: “I have to talk to my wife and my coach. It’s all up in the air.”
Here are the full results of the night.
UFC Fight Night 60: Henderson vs. Thatch Results
Main Card (on FOX Sports 1)
Benson Henderson def. Brandon Thatch by submission (RNC) at 3:58 of R4
Max Holloway def. Cole Miller by unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 30-27)
Neil Magny def. Kiichi Kunimoto by submission (rear-naked choke) at 1:22, R3
Daniel Kelly def. Patrick Walsh by unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 30-27)
Kevin Lee def. Michel Prazeres by unanimous decision (30-27, 29-28, 30-27)
Ray Borg def. Chris Kelades by submission (kimura) at 2:56 of R3
Prelims (on FOX Sports 1)
Efrain Escudero def. Rodrigo Goiana de Lima by unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)
Chas Skelly def. Jim Alers by TKO (strikes) at 4:59 of R2
Zack Makovsky def. Tim Elliott by unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
James Moontasri def. Cody Pfister by submission (rear-naked choke) at 1:49 of R2
