Realistically, who will beat Benson Henderson?

[MikeLovesTacosX]

I hear alot of talk from people about how Benson will lose to Gilbert Melendez or Eddie Alvarez.. In my opinion Benson would win both of those fights rather handily.

Who do you think actually has a legitimate shot at beating Benson Henderson? It can be someone moving up in weight (Aldo), or even someone moving down, or just someone currently in the weight class.

My vote goes to Gray Maynard. He has good enough wrestling to neutralize Bendo for the most part and he punches stupid hard for a LW.

 

[SODACKER]

The reality is pettis can.

 

[whooty]

I agree with TS.

Maynard and Bendo are both world class wrestlers, add in that they are probably the 2 strongest LW's as well, and they both have great cardio it'll be a nice fight.

Difference is in stand up. Gray is better in the clinch and at boxing range. However Bendo has excelent movement and a great kicking game.

If Gray can get Bendo on the fence and rough him up, he takes it. If Bendo can keep Gray guessing on the outside (like Guida did) and actually hit him and kick him (like Guida didn't) Bendo takes it.

Either way this is the fight I want to see.

 

[MMAfanWA]

Realistically? Anthony Pettis.

Bendo has developed into an amazing fighter and he's very powerful at 155lb. Gray would get outworked, he'd have little more than a puncher's chance IMO. Although I think he's one of the very top guys in the division

But in Anthony Pettis, you have a guy who knows he can beat Bendo. By the end of their fight in the WEC, Henderson was FLINCHING every single time Pettis feinted a strike. What that tells you is 1) Pettis is a high-level, dynamic striker and 2) That may be Henderson's 'weakness'

The rematch needs to happen.

 

[Ironheart]

I do think Gray has a shot at it, but I do feel that Bendo has a cardio advantage over Maynard so if the fight goes to the third and beyond, Benson will walk away with it. That's NOT to say Maynard would always lose, I just think he'd have to come out strong and pressure Bendo hard.

I would also favor Ben over Alvarez and Melendez.

 

[Chad The Limey]

Frankie Edgar again

 

[marcusnz80]

Aldo moving up and ebersole moving down

 

[Phoenix Down]

Frankie already has, Pettis will again as well.

 

[Judoxing]

 

[whooty]

Pettis has a good chance as well of course, depending on how Bendo plans to fight. If he uses the Guida takedown and keep down gameplan I think he beats Pettis.

But the top LW's are pretty close to each other. I see Maynard, Pettis and Bendo as the absolute top 3 tough.

 

[Oblivian]

Pettis or Maynard. I don't see either of them holding on to the title for long either. The top of the chain at LW is very competitive.

 

[PunchFaceToWin]

Pettis, Edgar because (arguably in Edgar's case, yes imo) they have beaten him already.

Maynard if he remembers his wrestling.
Aldo at LW might be the biggest threat after we see how he does against Edgar.
Melendez and Alvarez are both good, but I think Bendo has their number.

 

[Doctor Dredd]

Realistically, I believe Pettis has the potential to beat him for a second time. Alvarez and Gil have that chance too. They all have the potential to do so, just like Benson has to potential to beat them.

I don't mean to go off topic, but for some odd reason, I've always wanted to see Benson vs Chandler. It might never happen, but I think it's an interesting match-up.

 

[Don Mike]

BJ Penn... but staying at welter & fighting Rory was a bad choice & Im not sure how much he has left

 

[born2killl]

frank edgar

 

[Bolshevik***]

maynard would neutralize henderson? i don't know if you just started watching mma, but henderson is not a wrestler primarily. he'll obviously use his wrestling to his advantage vs an opponent when it's in his best interest, but he's normally looking to strike first. if anything, henderson's speed and wrestling would neutralize maynard's wrestling and benson would beat him on the feet all night.

 

[nemosson]

I believe Alvarez can, as he is a harder hitter than Edgar, and his kick game is much improved(see Pitbull). In addition to that, the man can wrestle rather well!

 

[thebonesaw**]

no one can but I will give the best chance to Aldo if he moves up

 

[Leo462]

Aldo moving up and ebersole moving down

Damn. I forgot about Ebersole going down to LW. Looking forward to seeing that.

 

[Koimpact]

Definitely Pettis. The guy has amazing striking and great submissions. Would give henderson trouble on the mat and on the feet. Pettis is the next lightweight champion. Witness.