UFC Fight Night 60 Benson Henderson def. Brandon Thatch (rear-naked choke) – 4th Round

Benson Henderson long resisted the prospect of one day moving up to the UFC welterweight division, but his first performance at 170 pounds showed his skills are formidable as a heavier fighter. Henderson (22-5 MMA, 10-3 UFC), an ex-champ in the lightweight division, wore down a dangerous Brandon Thatch (10-2 MMA, 5-2 UFC) on the ground and secured a submission victory in the fourth round, less than one month after a disappointing decision loss to top contender Donald Cerrone at 155 pounds. Henderson came out more aggressive than he usually is, battering Thatch's legs with hard kicks and landing two powerful body punches. Thatch walked him down for most of the round and showed off his superior power, scoring with his own kicks, some punches, and a nice flying knee. Henderson didn't attempt a takedown. Thatch got off to a good start in round two, backing Henderson up and peppering him with body kicks. Bendo's hands continued to look impressive, and he was able to keep scoring to the body. But over the second half of the round, Thatch was landing harder shots and even threw Henderson to the mat twice. Emphatically. He wouldn't engage on the ground though, and let him back up.Thatch continued to push forward. Thatch attempted another trip, but Henderson was able to shake it off. Henderson then went for a takedown of his own. Thatch was doing well defending the takedown against the cage, but he got sloppy and Henderson ended up completing the attempt. Henderson easily transitioned to Thatch’s back. Henderson didn’t do much with the position, but he was able to ride out the dominant position and made Thatch work.Henderson was clearly the fresher fighter entering the fourth frame and he was relaxed and confident in his movements around the cage. Thatch, meanwhile, was left reaching as he tried to chase down the much quicker fighter. Henderson’s early body work was paying off. Henderson landed a perfectly timed takedown midway through the round. Henderson quickly took Thatch’s back and began working for a submission. Henderson was overwhelming Thatch on the mat. Henderson eventually got his arm under Thatch’s neck and forced the tap.