Their first bout, on its way to becoming an instant underground classic as it entered the final round, instead became a viral sensation that took the Internet by storm. Already a great fight, it became legendary thanks to a singular technique. As soon as Anthony Pettis planted his leg on the Octagon and launched the most insane flying kick in MMA history, it became more than a fight. It became a moment.
Benson Henderson went down hard—and he’s been going down hard ever since on YouTube and in the highlight package played at every UFC event. That moment has been replayed again and again for two solid years, much to Henderson’s chagrin.
Henderson went on to win UFC gold, becoming Bleacher Report’s Fighter of the Year for 2012 in the process. Yet, for all of his success, part of him seemed stuck in the shadow of that one kick.
Revenge would have been sweet—but it wasn’t to be. Pettis showed he had a ground game to go along with his stand-up skill, submitting Henderson with an incredible armbar to take the title in his hometown.
Pettis, of course, wasn’t the only winner on the night. It was an exciting card top to bottom, and there were plenty of standouts in Milwaukee Saturday. Click through to see who made an impression, both good and bad. Disagree? Let me know in the comments.