Benson Henderson made a point Saturday night, submitting Rustam Khabilov and securing his holding in the UFC’s lightweight division at UFC Fight Night: Henderson vs. Khabilov. “Smooth” earned the fourth round rear-naked choke, forcing a tap after landing a perfect shot.
Henderson called out “whoever wants to fight for the title” next, as the belt is currently locked up for a December meeting between champion Anthony Pettis and Gilbert Melendez. Henderson lost to Pettis last year via submission.
In other action, Diego Sanchez scored a highly-controversial decision over Ross Pearson, taking the bout on two of the three scorecards. John Dodson finished John Moraga in a key flyweight contest, while Rafael dos Anjos, Piotr Hallmann and Bryan Caraway were other main card winners.
The attendance for the first UFC card in Albuquerque was announced at 8,775 for a live gate of $697,901. Henderson and Hallmann were awarded “Performance of the Night” honors, while Scott Jorgensen and Danny Martinez scored “Fight of the Night” status.
Below are complete results of the card:
Benson Henderson def. Rustam Khabilov via submission (rear-naked choke) at 1:16 of Round 4
Diego Sanchez def. Ross Pearson via split decision (27-30, 30-27, 29-28)
John Dodson def. John Moraga via TKO (doctor’s stoppage) at 5:00 of Round 2
Rafael dos Anjos def. Jason High via TKO (strikes) at 3:36 of Round 2
Piotr Hallmann def. Yves Edwards via submission (rear-naked choke) at 2:31 of Round 3
Bryan Caraway def. Erik Perez via submission (rear-naked choke) at 1:52 of Round 2
Sergio Pettis def. Yaotzin Meza via unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
Lance Benoist def. Bobby Voelker via unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 30-27)
Scott Jorgensen def. Danny Martinez via unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 30-27)
Jon Tuck def. Jake Lindsey via TKO (verbal submission) at 2:47 of Round 3
Patrick Cummins def. Roger Narvaez via TKO (strikes) at 2:28 of Round 2
