Not for long, because this guy is coming for that strap ! He has Bendo's number, and homie Bendo knows it. WAR SHOWTIME !!!
The first fight was EXTREMELY close, and Bendo was winning round 5 (imo) until the kick that won him the round and the fight (Scores were 48-47 iirc). Bendo has improved a lot since then, and I would pick him in a rematch.
I honestly believe Bendo has improved faaaaar too much for Pettis to keep up. his striking alone is heaps better than it was in WEC and he has become a MUCH better athlete with a much better understanding of fighting, strategy and how fully utilize his primary tools to their full potential. Never say never though, Pettis could pull out some crazy Tekken style shit and knock his ass out, you never know.
Bendo has improved so much more than Pettis. Pettis lost to Guida and barely squeaked by Stephens. His one clean win is a knockout over Lauzon, who isn't a contender. While Bendo is 6-0 in the UFC with 3 title fights. Pettis is 2-1.
1. Their first fight was insanely close. 2. Pettis huggers shouldn't act like it's a given that he'll beat Cowboy.
For reals. Pettis is an extremely fun fighter to watch because you never know what kind of crazy move he might try at an any moment. But Bendo takes this fight. Pettis beat him in a close fight with an amazing kick, but He doesn't have Henderson's number.
I see Bendo outwrestling Pettis to a decision. I know Pettis is a solid MMA wrestler with an active guard to boot, but he was repeatedly taken down by Jeremy Stephens despite winning that fight. I think Bendo's top game will neutralize any offense Pettis mounts off of his back
Pettis actually landed a flying knee to counter Bendo's TD in the 5th, and it worked. Bendo fell flat but held onto a single and Pettis defended and got it back to the feet. IMO they were 2-2 going into the 5th, Pettis landed the best shots in the 5th even before the cage kick.
you have a far different definition of wreck than most it seems. I don't consider holding a guy down and doing absolutely no damage "wrecking" someone.
The first fight was very close, I had Bendo winning. I think Bendo has greatly improved since then and Pettis is about the same (maybe a little bit better). Honestly though right now I am just super excited for Cerrone/Pettis.
Nope. It's probably one of the most punchable faces in MMA. As for the OP I think Henderson will be holding that title for a long time, I don't see anybody beating him at LW right now. He's improved dramatically since fighting Pettis. I think injuries and time off has hindered pettis' chances to improve more. I also think Cerrone has a fair chance in beating Pettis halting yet another title fight for Pettis.
Anthony is dynamic enough to win standing, but Benson has learned how to better utilize his size, strength and wrestling to create a stifling top game. I expect him to win by decision.
