The UFC has made the complete video of Benson Henderson’s light-weight title protection in opposition to Nate Diaz freely out there, giving followers unrestricted entry to one of many group’s landmark bouts. Held on December 8, 2012, at KeyArena in Seattle, this was Henderson’s second protection of the undisputed UFC light-weight championship and marked Diaz’s first shot at a UFC title.
Watch: Benson Henderson vs. Nate Diaz
The struggle aired stay on Fox and is now a part of the UFC’s “Street to the Light-weight Title” free-fights assortment, permitting viewers to revisit the technical battle between two of the division’s finest without charge.
Benson Henderson entered the bout with a 17-2 skilled file and an undefeated 5–0 mark in UFC competitors. A former WEC light-weight champion, Henderson mixed a background in Greco-Roman wrestling with a brown belt in Brazilian jiu-jitsu underneath John Crouch. He had secured the UFC belt in April 2012 by submitting Frankie Edgar and defended it as soon as earlier than dealing with Diaz. Identified for his measured tempo and talent to combine hanging with takedowns, Henderson was favored to regulate the space and exploit his grappling edge.
Nate Diaz arrived with a 16-7 file and a candidacy constructed on ten post-fight bonuses, highlighting his entertaining fashion. Diaz first garnered consideration because the Season 5 winner of The Final Fighter, the place he displayed high-volume boxing and submission creativity. Regardless of setbacks early in his UFC run, Diaz rebounded with three straight wins at 155 kilos, displaying improved cardio and a heavy-handed jab. His willingness to interact in stand-up exchanges and hunt for submissions in scrambles made him a formidable challenger.
From the opening bell, Henderson carried out leg kicks and feints to handle vary, step by step establishing rhythm. Diaz pressed ahead, mixing mixtures and making an attempt to neutralize Henderson’s base by means of clinch work. Within the second and third rounds, Henderson’s calf strikes started to gradual Diaz’s ahead motion, whereas a number of takedowns allowed Henderson to regulate the struggle on the mat. Diaz confirmed toughness by defending submission makes an attempt and firing upkicks, however he couldn’t persistently clear area to unleash his boxing arsenal.
Because the bout reached the championship rounds, Henderson’s grappling superiority and efficient hanging accumulation earned him every body. He landed takedowns in 4 of the 5 rounds and dictated the tempo by means of half-guard management. Diaz remained energetic with elbow strikes from the underside and sought joint locks, however Henderson averted extended hazard and maintained high positioning. After twenty-five minutes, the judges rendered a unanimous choice for Henderson, scoring the competition 50-43, 50-45, and 50-45 in his favor, cementing his standing because the undisputed light-weight champion of the world.
