Sherdog’s Top 10: Non Pay-Per-View Main Events

Anthony Pettis provided a highlight for the ages at WEC 53. | Josh Hedges/WEC Productions/Getty Images

3. Benson Henderson vs. Anthony Pettis
WEC 53 | Dec. 18, 2010 -- Glendale, Ariz.
Versus
At the moment, the video of the maneuver now known as “The Showtime Kick” is at 4.4 million views and counting on the Ultimate Fighting Championship’s YouTube channel. For most of its existence, World Extreme Cagefighting was a hardcore fight fan’s delight, an opportunity to watch any number of talented lighter-weight competitors on Wednesday, Thursday, Saturday or even Sunday nights.

Sure, Urijah Faber was popular, and the promotion even ventured into the pay-per-view realm once, but the WEC did not truly go mainstream until the final minute of the final round of its final event, when Pettis launched himself off the cage and into Internet immortality with the memorable “Showtime Kick.” Not only was the move bold, but it was successful, as the kick landed cleanly on Henderson’s head, dropping him flat and sealing Pettis’ place as the organization’s last lightweight ruler. In what was a competitive fight that could have been deadlocked on many scorecards, all everyone remembers is Pettis’ athletic display.

The highlight-reel move turned up everywhere, including ESPN’s “Sportscenter,” the desired destination for pretty much anyone who has played a sport at any level. Additionally, it gave the WEC fighters a new level of recognition as they prepared to transition to the Octagon. Today, Henderson is the UFC’s lightweight champ, while Pettis, arguably the division’s No. 1 contender, has a featherweight title bout with Jose Aldo lined up for August.

“I watch it every day,” Pettis told Sherdog.com shortly after the victory. “Someone made a YouTube video of it, like in slow-mo, and I wake up and watch it. It just puts a smile on my face every time.”

Number 2 » Cerrone vs. Henderson