Sherdog’s Top 10: Greatest Single Strikes in MMA History

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1. Anthony Pettis (Kick) vs. Benson Henderson
WEC 53
Dec. 16, 2010 | Glendale, Arizona
The last fight in World Extreme Cagefighting history was a lightweight title bout pitting reigning champion Henderson against upstart challenger Pettis. It was a fitting final act, to say the least.

Theirs was a back-and-forth battle for four-plus rounds, as Pettis tried to move the MMA Lab standout toward the fence with front kicks and Henderson seemed intent on grinding down the Roufusport star with clinches and takedown attempts. Mesmerizing scrambles ensued, though Pettis spent almost an entire round attached to the champion’s back.

The fight appeared even with a minute to go in round five. Pettis backed up “Smooth” once again, got a running start, jumped into the air and catapulted off the fence with his right leg. While still suspended in the air, Pettis kicked Henderson in the face and sent him careening to the canvas. The crowd at the Jobing.com Arena let out a collective gasp at the sight of what became known as the “Showtime Kick,” and commentator put the unforgettable moment into words for television viewers: “Did you see that? He ran off the wall like a ninja!”