Sherdog’s Top 10: Best Title Fights

Anthony Pettis’ “Showtime Kick” stole the show at WEC 53. | Photo: Dave Mandel/Sherdog.com

7. Benson Henderson vs. Anthony Pettis
WEC 53 “Henderson vs. Pettis”
Dec. 16, 2010 | Glendale, Ariz.
This pairing represented the final bout in World Extreme Cagefighting history, as the promotion was later absorbed by the UFC. However, it was immortalized by Pettis’ “Showtime Kick” -- a maneuver that has been permanently ingrained the heads of MMA fans across the globe.

There were periods in the back-and-forth fight that were not all that thrilling, but fast forward to a minute left in the bout. Pettis pressed forward, landed a few hooks and launched a right head kick that was mostly blocked by Henderson. And then it happened. Henderson moved his back off the steel mesh and started moving away from the aggressive challenger. “Showtime” responded by moving forward quickly and springing off the cage with his right foot. Henderson dropped his hands, and Pettis used the same right foot to kick the champion in the face. It had to be seen to be believed.

The blow resulted in “Smooth” falling to the floor, his arms tight to his sides. The kick swung the momentum in Pettis’ favor, and the Milwaukee native went home with the championship. Henderson bounced back with seven straight victories and established himself as the world’s premier lightweight -- until he met Pettis again at UFC 164.

Number 6 » Johny Hendricks vs. Robbie Lawler