Rafael dos Anjos Photo: UFC
Rafael Dos Anjos was an underdog before tonight’s main event at UFC Fight Night, in Tulsa, Oklahoma.
That changed fast once the bell rang and the Brazilian moved forward against former UFC lightweight champion, Benson Henderson.
In only 2min31s, Dos Anjos was able to connect a few punches before hitting Bendo with a powerful knee that left the #1 contender disoriented.
Rafael finished the job with a left that sent Henderson to the ground defenseless, causing referee John McCarthy to stop the fight.
The crowd booed thinking the ref acted too soon.
In the after-fight interview, Dos Anjos said that he was ready for anything Henderson could throw at him: “I trained for every situation. I trusted my striking was superior to his. I respect Henderson a lot, but it’s my time now!”
Asked who he wants to face now, Dos Anjos didn’t have a name to give: “Whoever the UFC put in front of me, I’ll fight!”
Henderson, still trying to understand what happened, also talked: “I have to take a look at the tape. I thought I could go on, but you have to accept the ups and downs in life.”
The co-main event of the night also ended fast.
Jordan Mein landed a huge left hand on Mike Pyle with 1min12s of the first round to win by TKO.
Here are the full results of the night.
UFC Fight Night: Henderson vs. Dos Anjos
Saturday, August 23, 2014
Tulsa, Oklahoma
Rafael dos Anjos def. Benson Henderson by KO at 2:31, R1
Jordan Mein def. Mike Pyle by TKO (strikes) 1:12, R1
Thales Leites def. Francis Carmont by KO at 0:20, R2
Max Holloway def. Clay Collard by TKO (strikes) at 3:47, R3
James Vick def. Walmir Lazaro by unanimous decision (29-28, 30-27, 29-28)
Chas Skelly def. Tom Niinimaki by submission (rear-naked choke) at 2:35, R1
Preliminary Bout (on Fox Sports 2):
Neil Magny def. Alex Garcia by unanimous decision (29-28, 30-27, 30-27)
Beneil Dariush def. Tony Martin by submission (arm-triangle choke) at 3:38, R2
Matt Hobar def. Aaron Phillips by unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
Ben Saunders def. Chris Heatherly by submission (omoplata) at 2:18, R1
Preliminary Bout (on UFC Fight Pass):
Wilson Reis def. Joby Sanchez by unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
