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Henderson-Pettis Winner to Become UFC Lightweight No. 1 Contender -- MMA Fighting

Henderson-Pettis Winner to Become UFC Lightweight No. 1 Contender

10/28/2010 2:39 PM ET By Mike Chiappetta

Mike Chiappetta
MMA Writer
Ben Henderson and Anthony Pettis will have the honor of shutting off the lights behind them when they face off in the last match in WEC history later this year.

But their WEC 53 main event matchup will be more than just an answer to a trivia question; it will also determine the No. 1 contender to the UFC lightweight championship.

That's the word according to UFC president Dana White, who told reporters of the plan during a conference call to formally announce the UFC-WEC merger.



We won't know exactly who makes it into the title match until January. On Jan. 1, current UFC champion Frankie Edgar will defend his belt for the second time, this time against Gray Maynard.

The winner of that bout will then faceoff with the reigning WEC champion to unify the belts.

The other part of the equation will be decided on Dec. 16 at WEC 53 when Henderson and Pettis tangle.

Henderson (12-1) captured the interim title in October 2009 and then made it official with a submission over Jamie Varner in January 2010. In his first full title defense, he also submitted Donald Cerrone with a guillotine.

Henderson has never lost under the Zuffa banner and has won 11 straight fights overall.

Pettis (11-1) earned his title shot with three straight stoppage wins, defeating Danny Castillo by KO before beating Alex Karalexis and Shane Roller via tapout.

[Masscore]

I think this is a good idea. Currently there is no clear cut number 1 contender after Edgar v. Maynard so not give the title shot to the last WEC LW champion? This can be sold as a Champion v. Champion fight and it also gives time for someone to rise about the rest of the very packed UFC LW title hunt.

[killakem1]

makes perfect sense. why would they do a merger and have a champ lose his title based on a business decision. fair to everyone imo

[carbondioxide830]

wasnt very fair to carlos condit or steve cantwell was it?

[killakem1]

Originally Posted by carbondioxide830

wasnt very fair to carlos condit or steve cantwell was it?

good point totally for got about that. they should have. but again its zuffa so they do what they want.
ps owe you rep but cant at the moment

[Sakara=Excitement]

Pettis is a beast.

[CHAEL fan]

Originally Posted by Sakara=Excitement

Pettis is a beast.

Indeed he is.....I have Pettis beating Bendo.

[kingrobert]

The Henderson vs Pettis is going to be an awsome fight. I really think either one of those guys could give Edgar a fight. The WEC fighters always put on great fights. IMO sometimes there cards are better the UFC cards themselves. Im excitied that Henderson and Pettis and Aldo will be put on UFC pay per views. I think its a great idea.

[stpierrecanada]

I got Henderson in this fight, by submission.

Henderson vs Edgar would be a great fight to see..I hope it is that.