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4. Anthony Pettis vs. Benson Henderson
WEC 53
Dec. 16, 2010 | Glendale, Arizona

No one will ever forget the first time these two lightweights opposed each other inside the cage. Their showdown was the perfect way to close the book on World Extreme Cagefighting, as Henderson and Pettis fought tooth and nail until the bitter end. Alas, only one man could leave the arena as the last WEC lightweight champion.

Both men landed their share of clean shots and traded submission attempts across 25 minutes. Back and forth they fought into the fifth round, with neither fighter establishing a clear advantage on the scorecards. Finally, with precious seconds ticking off the clock, Pettis sprang off the cage, kicked Henderson in the face and dropped him where he stood. Though the blow failed to knock out “Smooth,” the term “Showtime Kick” forever entered the MMA lexicon. Pettis went on to win a unanimous decision.

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