UFC 144 Results: Can Benson Henderson Threaten BJ Penn's Record Title Run?

Even before his meteoric rise to the UFC lightweight crown, Benson Henderson made it clear that he wanted to become one of the greatest mixed martial artists of all-time.

Stating that he'd like to surpass middleweight champion Anderson Silva's record for UFC title defenses, Henderson will first have to tackle a different record. Former champion BJ Penn's lightweight title run was one of the most historic in the UFC's history and will have to be taken down first if Henderson wants a shot at Silva's.

If Henderson's time in the UFC is any indication, the newly minted lightweight champion has had a fire lit under him since losing his WEC crown to Anthony Pettis and his "Showtime Kick". Henderson has been rolling over the top guys in the division and his utter dismantling of now former champion Frankie Edgar is just another name on the list.

But ahead of him, there are a crop of contenders that have a real shot at derailing Henderson. The first person to come to mind is the last WEC Lightweight champion as well as the last person to defeat him, Anthony Pettis.

Henderson has really improved his overall game since making the move to the UFC, but so has Pettis. Adding in an improved wrestling game, Pettis' creative striking and tricky submissions will once again pose a threat to Henderson's crown if they were to have a rematch.

But if the champion can avoid the submission attempts and kicking battle while utilizing his strong clinch game, Henderson can definitely take out Pettis.

Another possible hindrance to Henderson's reign would be an immediate rematch with Edgar. Last night, Edgar showed he had the superior wrestling technique, something he should have tried to use more. Fighting Henderson again, a motivated Edgar could very well regain his belt.

And let's not forget the winner of Nate Diaz versus Jim Miller, as both are legitimate top contenders and seasoned veterans.

For Henderson, as long as he keeps his wits about him and continues his long trend of hard work and focus, no opponent would be an impossible challenge for the new champion.

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