Anthony Pettis, who twice defeated Benson Henderson in MMA, believes the Karate Combat rule set suits his style better and gives him an advantage, as it allows him to fully utilize his striking arsenal without worrying about takedowns.
Anthony Pettis, a seasoned MMA fighter, has twice taken the WEC lightweight belt from Benson Henderson. He believes the Karate Combat rule set is more in line with his fighting style.
The trilogy match between Pettis and Henderson is the main event at Karate Combat 43 this Friday in Las Vegas. Pettis told MMA Fighting that the absence of takedowns in Karate Combat allows him to fully utilize his striking arsenal.
Pettis believes his striking skills give him an edge. He recalls how in their previous fights, Henderson often pushed him against the cage, attempting takedowns. But in Karate Combat, these threats are non-existent, freeing Pettis to execute his full range of kicks without fear of a takedown.
In MMA, Pettis explains, the rules can force a fighter to simplify their game. Losing a round due to a takedown or being pinned against the cage can be costly. But in Karate Combat, Henderson won’t have these options. He’ll have to face Pettis head-on. Pettis respects Henderson, acknowledging his striking skills, but feels confident in his advantage under these rules.
Pettis’ background in point sparring and traditional martial arts gives him a solid foundation. He’s been training since he was five, and the rules of full-contact karate closely resemble those of MMA, with a few key differences. Pettis believes these rules are tailor-made for his fighting style.
Pettis has previously defeated Henderson, both in their iconic first match and in their UFC rematch. He believes these victories, coupled with his extensive experience, give him an upper hand in his Karate Combat debut.
Pettis recalls his strategy in their earlier fights. He always aimed to keep the fight standing, while Henderson was the one initiating takedowns. Now, with the threat of takedowns removed, Pettis is excited about the upcoming fight.
Pettis is currently contracted with the PFL and is planning a significant MMA bout in 2024. He also hopes to participate in at least three boxing matches this year and is open to a potential BKFC clash with Mike Perry.
Karate Combat approached Pettis with an offer while he was preparing for his next boxing match. He believes that martial arts need a broader market beyond MMA.
Pettis runs three gyms in Wisconsin where he teaches traditional martial arts and point sparring. He feels that his students lacked opportunities to compete at the highest level without transitioning to MMA. But with Karate Combat, they now have a chance to compete without having to switch disciplines. The financial rewards are also substantial, making it a viable option.