Benson Henderson vs Anthony Pettis 1 | UFC Fights We Are Thankful For 2023 - Day 5

UFC Fights We Are Thankful For are back in 2023, featuring a heaping portion of top Octagon moments you have to relive!
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#UFC #UFC30Years #WEC

[@MrWolfchamp-xi3cu]

The birth of the showtime kick. Movie stuff. That moment alone probably put Anthony Pettis on so many people's favorite fighters list. I imagine it turned alot of non Mma fans into fans and probably still does

[@radhasharma2540]

And that Superman punch shooting off the cage against Stephen Thompson. Too

[@outspoken117]

Nah. I still don't like him and was glad to see Ferguson beat him up.

[@YuliaSayang09-sw9vx]

Q"

[@top5isis]

his kickboxing made me a complete mma fan

[@imagineumnomefoda500]

​@@outspoken117L take

[@theguvnor3880]

Prime Benson and Pettis were tremendous fighters.

[@Kev46]

benson was boring af

[@crazypato3752]

RDA owned both and look what young Khabib did to prime RDA. THREAT HIM LIKE A TOODLER

[@MercifulWolf319]

​@Rome66zero1 you're delusional. if they were going to stage this moment it would've definitely been the fi ish

[@thememeconnoisseur4088]

​@@Kev46How exactly was this fight boring?

[@ddraperjr9839]

I was thinking this was two guys at their best.

[@toxicgoat341]

This fight is really only known for the iconic showtime kick but coming back to it now you really gotta appreciate how competitive and fun it was all the way through.

[@tiburciocallanaupa9794]

❤❤😮😢😮🎉😅

[@sidneygriffiths5737]

Sorry but I don't agree, even without the kick that fight was a borderline classic, so many back and forths

[@tc6025]

@@sidneygriffiths5737This has to be some kinda sarcasm 😂

[@damonandrews6592]

hearing Stephan Bonnar freak out over the first showtime kick is amazing. RIP the legend

[@BigBass-xf5yi]

Agreed, I really liked Stef calling these fights back in the day. RIP

[@kenjic6083]

frank mir’s wec commentary was better

[@martinzzincredible2836]

I don't think Benson Henderson is talked about enough. This brother fought killers in every promotion he was in!

[@QenaitheCustodianGuard]

Super good fighter, very evolved considering the era he started out in, he was game and had heart and chin!

[@ko-rp7ge]

He's dope

[@BigBass-xf5yi]

One of the best lightweights ever. Henderson is/was a freak of nature.

[@archieblanco2399]

And fights with a toothpick in his mouth!!

[@Octoberbaby1988]

He also doesn't get the credit for revolutionizin leg kicks targeting the calf no one was throwing calf kicks until Ben utilized it against Frankie and their fights to neutralize Frankie's movement and it still took some time for folks to start adding it to their skill set now it's as common a technique as an overhand

[@tylerpascua6818]

The final fight in WEC history. This promotion was so incredible. And the promotion ended with the perfect fight.

[@theroylist11]

The perfect ending

[@SALEM4LOKO]

Yup

[@smoker2k_]

Beson Hendersons physique is crazy I mean look at the muscle in his legs when he’s moving, just insane

[@TReaperMusic]

Pettis is one those fighters that deserve a movie . Dude is a legend

[@MrPocketfullOfSteel]

Nate beat the brakes off of him *after* a 3 year year layoff. Nate mauled him and made him look like he didn't belong in the ring with him.

[@ko-rp7ge]

​@@MrPocketfullOfSteelI mean he was washed up by that point. Nate has been mauled too and never became champion.

[@madgavin7568]

Pettis had an incredible rise and a depressing downfall.

[@MrPocketfullOfSteel]

@@ko-rp7ge I never said that Nate had never been mauled, you said that. *haha* I also never mentioned *anything* about ANYONE being or NOT BEING a champion. Again, YOU SAID THIS. *lol* I just simply stated the facts and those ARE THE FACTS; whether you like them or not, is totally irrelevant to the fact that Nathan Diaz absolutely *BEAT THE PISS* outta the Wheatie Box dude, and Nate hadn't fought in any cage for OVER THREE YEARS until he faced Pettis. That is just the facts. Just cuz you don't like it, doesn't change what the facts were. Relax. :o)

[@ko-rp7ge]

@@MrPocketfullOfSteel It's not that impressive when both fighters were washed up at that point of their careers. Nate lost to Jake Paul. Lol

[@HD-fc4ds]

Non bias commentary is really refreshing to listen

[@TayKhaiYi]

The part you're looking for it's here 24:42

[@The00028]

❤❤

[@tomasgomes]

When you look at that sequence with more attention, it's hard to not think it was planned... I do hope it was legit though.

[@thememeconnoisseur4088]

The whole fight is great though

[@khananas8983]

Thx bro

[@mr.brenman2132]

​@@tomasgomes What was planned? Almost 5 rounds through a fight Henderson chose to be kicked in the face?

[@runeshadow]

Benson never skipped leg day

[@sandman62100]

Benson always had this presence that drew me to him. The way he carried himself, his hair, his body, everything about him is oh so smooth.

[@zekayman]

Chill bro, he has a wife 😂😂😂

[@Absoluteunit3027]

Pause

[@JC-ji1hp]

Everytime with the sus comments brotha

[@ko-rp7ge]

​@@zekaymanlol

[@DoggPackNation]

​@@zekaymanfacts

[@DaInternetBear]

The kick is iconic, but the fact that Benson still made it to the end of that round is completely unreal

[@markuse3472]

The fact that Anthony didn't put Ben away when he should have is pathetic. In todays game, with the same abilities, I believe Anthony would put Ben away regarding the same moves.

[@quasar4601]

YES WEC and Pride were awesome promotions but I never saw them on TV. Always been with UFC only. Still the WEC was great

[@Victor-eq7lm]

This fights we are thankful for series is so good, wish it was longer

[@Stupidwrangler]

Sure the showtime kick is amazing but lets not forget the quote "Its amazing how the respect actually grows when you're pounding out some guy through 25 minutes" 22:00

[@markuse3472]

Both guys were "pounding" each other.

[@Ajayzmma]

IM GRATEFUL FOR THESE BANGERS

[@hazwanlutfi5015]

“When i say stop, you stop” “Calm down, bro”

[@andymellor5878]

Both of these guys have an amazing range of kicks.

[@ooolol]

More than the Kick what was unbelievable how Ben survived the knockout, i mean that kicked landed perfect, some extraordinary toughness from Ben there.

[@freed4ylol743]

one of the best mma rivalries in the early days

[@bwasfpv]

24:43 the infamous kick

[@Octoberbaby1988]

Crazy I haven't seen a comment acknowledging how this was the WEC's last card and it was a great card the fight before this Dominic Cruz dominated Scott Jorgensen to retain his WEC bantamweight title while simultaneously being named the inaugural UFC bantamweight champion This was a very special night of fights and I find myself missing that blue canvas from those WEC cages

[@craigm2484]

Benson started them calf kicks in the octagon

[@madextreme2682]

This fight is like the Yair - Zomvie fight , everyone remembers the KO scene but few of them know the fight , same here , everyone remembers the Showtime kick which wasn't even KO but few remember how good the fight is

[@ninadsbhatt100]

Benson is legend

[@WarlordColossus]

amazing fight, RIP stephan bonnar as well on the commentary he did really well on these

[@hastyhalfwit6637]

This was such an awesome fight. The back and forth, fairly clear winner each round. Going into the fifth could’ve be anyone’s. Either guy could’ve won and then that freaking kick. Holy sh*t!

[@eliotquintana9802]

Low kick strong hook punch defense techniques skills next level

[@Mikeztarp]

What a classic moment!

[@rachel-gi6ul]

Announcer: "I cannot think of a better way to bring down the curtain..." "OMG HE RAN UP THE WALL LIKE A NINJA"

[@zkiledzee420]

The birth of the showtime kick 🔥🔥

[@shellshocked8674]

Prime Pettis 🥲 is a truly delighful fighter,sad that most newer fans think of him as a can🥲

[@Jaleelsou_]

I’d say newer viewers see him as a dog tho. Never was an easy fight

[@madgavin7568]

He's washed now but in his prime he was as elite as it gets. Even after he lost the belt, he could still be a tough-out. He should have retired after beating Alex Morono whom the UFC set him up to fail against.

[@abdonios]

That's just how the sport is man... if it could happen to Anderson Silva it could happen to anyone and the more exiting the fighter is in his career the sadder his last few fights will be

[@lettheflamestakeover7374]

Pettis Henderson 2 was my first UFC event!

[@Jiu-JitsuJourney257]

Watched it live. Shit was nuts when he hit that kick. I remember my dad freaking the hell out lmao

[@ddraperjr9839]

Yep. I was a fan way back when.

[@seunadisa]

Give us Lawler vs Condit too.

[@cjg60411]

I love watching a UFC fight and getting a mid-round UFC advertisement every single round

[@antzero0067]

Man watching make me more hype for the trilogy also a wec Anthony Pettis would dope in ufc 5

[@IlIlIlIlIlIlIlIlIlIlIlIlI]

Saw this live on AxysTV or was it called Versus? I forget but I remember spitting out my beer all over the TV screen when Pettis threw that kick! That was insane to see in the moment

[@tcswag801]

R i.p UFC HOF fighter Stephan Bonnar (also calling this fight cageside) ✌️

[@NipplesOfDestiny]

Bonnar was such a great commentator

[@Justin-jg2hi]

I still to this day believe if that kick didn’t land, Bendo would have got the nod. One of my all time favorite fights and so many people missed this live.

[@madgavin7568]

I dunno about that. Pettis was landing the better strikes in that round before the kick. The kick if anything, put the stamp on Pettis' victory rather than it coming down to a possible split decision.

[@markuse3472]

Yeah, and if it hadn't rained last night I believe the trees would still be dry. Dunce.

[@justinrodriguez9753]

And now they will be fighting each other in Karate Combat! Excited for that fight, simply for the nostalgia.

[@js6618]

RIP, Stephan Bonnar ! Bonnar vs Griffin

[@kungpowking1606]

Love this fight! 😁

[@perrytomczyk]

That kick was insane, well deserved.

[@JoshJackson13]

This was when I started watching UFC and showtime and rampage were my favorite fighters

[@luisramos5667]

I remember seeing this on vine when I was a lil younger Anthony’s kick was the reason I started watching UFC

[@alfansuhandi6308]

Thank u very much ufc for uploading this amazing, beautiful and breathtaking figth. Truly one of a kind.

[@Swaze742]

Legendary. Pettis is one of a kind.

[@guilfordmattie1986]

Great fight and what a kick always love re watching wec cards

[@jptothetree]

17:06 What an opportunity that slipped through his fingers there 😱 I wonder if that still keeps him up at night lol... great fight!

[@BadselS]

Pettis knocked the toothpick out of benson's mouth with that showtime kick 😂

[@quasarleon4645]

Holy crap , time flies guys ....

[@jotjot66]

Фантастический бой, лучший за последнее время, оба бойца выложились на полную!

[@robertt8822]

Literally the coolest thing that someone ever did in a fight. Absolutely. And it was 2-2 going into the last round, that kick won him the fight.

[@Bridge639]

I click on these videos for the intro music. Props to the sound engineer. 👍

[@rigigara6545]

That kick cage from is probably the most spectacular one in entire UFC history.

[@daub1]

Bonnar was a great ringside analyst, infectious enthusiasm

[@EugenioCartes]

Excelente,muy merecido campeón!!👏👏👏👏👏

[@JabariiWalker]

Awesome that WEC's final fight was such a legendary one. R.I.P Stephan Bonnar

[@Jiu-JitsuJourney257]

I miss that iconic blue cage.

[@opokuboateng4772]

Two beast with best technical, support this is classic

[@stevelauda5435]

That was a perdonkerspuss of a move!, what a gruntgraciousness of a fight!

[@guitarhead9523]

Thank you WEC

[@narq5099]

The kick heard round the world...

[@TRADERSLIFEBIT]

Karate Combat trilogy 🥋🚀🌕

[@fmj-j2327]

Respect to both fighters

[@doob8181]

if only he would've knocked Benson out with that kick.. would've been more legendary

[@TheMasterSlasher]

his chin is crazy honestly

[@DCshandle]

The guy had eaten a flying knee while going for a double leg. He’s built fucking different anyone else is lights out

[@cloutlessgoblin8678]

His legs are insane god damn

[@kusholhumedeo7851]

😯wow what a beautiful caged round kick !

[@jacobeans]

Growing up with Anthony and Sergio Pettis gave me no indication that they would go on to do the things they've done. Love ya guys

[@fabienliberty3789]

Showtime Kick !!!

[@superchesman38]

Amazing Showtime kick! 🔥

[@chillguy72]

Very enjoyable wec always had good fights

[@augustwest8559]

Good fight

[@crazypato3752]

Benson Henderson vs Tony Ferguson back in 2014-2015 was a fight I wanted to see. Both guys with wing back tattoos as well

[@sukhdevr3489]

Tony was always so so overrated. Benson would've won comfortably.

[@crazypato3752]

@@sukhdevr3489 another Khabib meat rider saying Tony was overrated nothing new here

[@sukhdevr3489]

@@crazypato3752 I'm not a Khabib fan. Shows how much you know.

[@crazypato3752]

@@sukhdevr3489 remember when PVZ was this Christian girl...

[@sukhdevr3489]

@@crazypato3752 Haha that's funny

[@anthonybrandao4264]

Incredible fighters...

[@ImFiremanz]

Definetly a legendary fight

[@proevo1502]

Wow , why have I never seen this fight before. Both quality but that kick was something else.

[@MH-bv3hc]

R.i.p Stephan bonnar

[@cdp_137]

HE RAN UP THE WALL LIKE A NINJA

[@Texasoilfieldheavyweight]

Im glad I was there to witness it, unbelievable pause 25:57😊

[@MrWolfchamp-xi3cu]

WEC getting some love. Nice.

[@Nervii_Champion]

Benson's legs are probably one of the main reasons he is so good. Look at how powerful they are

[@thereaper7682]

Pettis pulled off one of the best moves that looks unreal than Hollywood

[@markuse3472]

I would love a video of MMA fighters (women, too) reacting to Pettis' showtime "matrix" kick. It was, and I believe it still is THE kick of UFC history. THE kick of the century is at 24:37 (start watching from there for the set up).

[@sofea4587]

Amazing good fighting

[@jamesj9693]

Damn . Look at Ben's legs

[@ChrisRitty]

I love that someone made names related to Thanksgiving for all of the time slots

[@eyemallears2647]

Good one UFC, not telling us when this fight took place.

[@isaiahleatherwood2482]

no interface was crazy, clock, names trunk color, any sort of stats. Love evolution

[@Dreas_Diaz88]

Won 500 bucks on this rematch when Pettis won it in Milwaukee 🙌🏽

[@toxicgoat341]

The armbar was gorgeous

[@Jiu-JitsuJourney257]

I was so pumped for Pettis. Taking home gold in Milwaukee of all places. Talk about mission accomplished. His belt on his father’s grave was a touching moment as well.

[@Bairom06]

They need a fight night here or something been like almost a decade since they been to Milwaukee 😢

[@mathprodigy]

$500 really meant something back then

[@Dreas_Diaz88]

@@mathprodigystill does in these times shiidddd

[@DABL4CKJESUS]

Blue octagon looks crazy

[@jennatracy]

Just so bloody good! 👌💖🇦🇺

[@jessejames2546]

Good to hear STEPHAN B RIP

[@theroylist11]

The goat lightweight in ufc/WEC vs the showtime kick 🤯🤯🤯

[@shadowgamer-ge7hz]

Best kick in the last round

[@antdoge29]

this was the goat lw fight

[@theroylist11]

Thankful for this fight - the korean zombie vs leonard garcia 1 🙌🙌🙌🙌 come on! @ufc