By MATT MOLGAARD
MMANEWS.COM Staff Writer

After sitting on the shelf for five months awaiting his next task, WEC lightweight champion Benson Henderson (12-1) has finally learned who he will defend his title against: surging prospect Anthony Pettis (12-1) will enter the cage as a WEC first time title challenger on December 16th at WEC 53.

Henderson is 5-0 under the WEC banner while Pettis sports a similar promotional record of 4-1. Henderson last competed at WEC 48 where he scored a second victory (this time via first round submission) over dangerous striker Donald Cerrone. Pettis meanwhile is coming off an impressive third round submission victory over Shane Roller at WEC 50 just last month.

The glaring difference between these two is the level of competition they’ve beaten thus far. While Pettis’ victim list includes some tough guys like Shane Roller and Danny Castillo, they aren’t quite on the same level as the opposition Henderson has disposed of; Donald Cerrone, and Jamie Varner fight with a completely different level of intensity and possess stronger skill sets, it’s just that simple.

That’s not to say Pettis is out of this fight before it’s begun, anyone with the striking arsenal Pettis possesses should always be considered a legitimate threat. Never underestimate your opponent, that’s an important rule that, hopefully Henderson hasn’t forgot.

WEC 53 will take place at the Jobing.com Arena in Glendale, Arizona.