Rafael dos Anjos stunned Ben Henderson at UFC Fight Night 49 in Oklahoma by claiming a first round knockout victory.
Round One:
Both men feeling out with the jab to start. Nice body kick from Dos Anjos. He connects with a leg kick too. Hard low kick from Henderson now.
Right hook and a straight left from Henderson. The former champion lands a good body punch, but Dos Anjos then returns fire with one of his own.
Henderson with a strong push kick that knocks Dos Anjos off-balance. Really solid body kick lands to the mid-section from Dos Anjos.
Dos Anjos suddenly turns it up a gear going on the offensive. He launches in with a double knee that lands to Henderson’s chin and has the former champion suddenly on his knees desparately looking for a takedown attempt.
Dos Anjos escapes his clutches however and as Henderson gets back upright the Brazilian connects with another powerful blow to the jaw that takes Henderson right off his feet as he crashes onto the canvas.
Dos Anjos is ready to deliver more punishment but referee John McCarthy has already made his mind up that Henderson was momentarily knocked out and ends the fight with 2.31mins on the clock.
It’s possible McCarthy was a bit premature here. Henderson was definitely rocked very badly there, but appeared to be still conscious as he appeared to be looking to improve his position when the fight ended. The ref was adamant Bendo was out though, so it’s ruled as KO finish.
Whatever the case, one thing for certain is that this was a massive win for Dos Anjos and a very impressive display of striking to stop the former champion so quickly, handing him only the third loss of his career.
