When UFC lightweight champion Benson Henderson (18-2) defeated Nate Diaz (16-8) via unanimous decision to retain his title at UFC on Fox 5, it became very obvious that the company had a bona fide superstar on its hands.
Henderson is a MMA star on the same level as Anderson Silva, Jon Jones and Georges St-Pierre.
After working his way through the lightweight division in UFC and winning the title from Frankie Edgar, Henderson is blooming as an elite fighter, and he has become one of the pound-for-pound toughest men in the sport.
With a star like Diaz—a fighter known for his excellent cardio and brawling style—unable to stop the reign of Bendo, the questions will naturally turn to what’s next for the UFC champion.
In a stacked lightweight division, the possibilities of who could be next for Henderson are endless; from proven stars like Clay Guida, Gray Maynard and Donald Cerrone to a younger star like Edson Barboza, there is no shortage of worthy opponents.
There is only one fight that UFC president Dana White should be setting up, though, and that’s between Henderson and UFC newcomer Anthony Pettis.
While Pettis only has three fights with the company—including a loss in his debut to Guida—the young star beat Henderson in WEC for the Lightweight Championship in what was called the fight of the year for 2010.
The UFC would have plenty of history to build off for a fight between the defending champion and Pettis, and this is a redemption bout many MMA fans would be very interested in.
For now, Henderson should just enjoy this huge victory over a very worthy Diaz.
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