UFC 144 Results: Benson Henderson Says Anthony Pettis Still 2-3 Wins Away

There is a new UFC lightweight champion and his name is Benson Henderson.

After defeating Frankie Edgar in a tightly contested main event at UFC 144, the former WEC champion has now come full circle in his quest to become the best by supplanting the former top lightweight to become the new king at 155 pounds.

With that quest to be the best comes a certain level of expectation of one's self. He became the UFC lightweight champion on Saturday, but Henderson still was not completely happy with his performance. 

"I wouldn't say [I was] happy," Henderson told MMA Fighting's Ariel Helwani regarding how he thought he performed. "I'll take it. A W is a W, but I feel like there's a lot of things I could have done better. I think my jab landed quite a bit, I was happy with that. I was happy I out-boxed him a little bit."

The five-round decision victory would be great in just about anyone's eyes, but Henderson holds himself to that higher standard. 

"I didn't get a finish. I like to finish fights."

Despite not finishing Edgar, Henderson still remained confident as the bout went to the judges scorecards. Some controversy has already come about from fans who believe Edgar should have been given the decision, but Henderson surprisingly welcomes that kind of talk.

"The more controversy, the better! So all you guys, on Monday morning, at the water cooler, talk about the UFC! Talk about UFC 144!" 

So what's next on Henderson's radar? 

"I see you!" Henderson said regarding fellow UFC 144 winner Anthony Pettis. "The way he does things, man, he's spectacular. He does a lot of big moves."

Pettis defeated Henderson in the final WEC event, taking "Bendo's" WEC lightweight title in the process. Many believed this would earn Pettis an instant title shot in the UFC, but when he didn't receive that fight and was eventually defeated in his UFC debut against Clay Guida, the hype quickly cooled down.

"Showtime's" ranking fell significantly and he has been working to move back up into contention.

Henderson is obviously impressed by the man who defeated him before, but what does he think of the chances of a rematch in his next fight?

"I think there's a line. I don't think he's first in line," Henderson said. "I'm going to handle my business, I'm going to defend my belt a couple times. He's going to handle his business, I'm sure he'll get two or three more wins. Maybe highlight reel wins against wrestlers who he can show that he's worked on his takedown defense."

"He's going to do his thing, I'm going to do my thing. I'm sure we'll match up one day and I'm sure it will be for my UFC belt. I don't know if it'll be next, but I'm sure it'll happen."

For more MMA news, fighter interviews and opinions, follow Nick Caron: @NicholasCaron.