As Benson Henderson headed into his UFC 164 rematch tonight with Anthony Pettis, much of the pre-fight narrative focused on their first meeting and the lightweight champ’s approach to fighting, rather than the 7-0 run he’s on. Since all of his victories in the UFC to date have come via decision, Henderson has been criticized for not finishing fights, and even accused by others that he just looks to win rounds.

Case in point, just two days before tonight’s fight, Henderson was asked at the pre-UFC 164 presser about his style and the criticisms it’s received. The 29 year-old once again defended himself by saying (quotes via MMA Fighting.com):

“What it all boils down to is getting your hand raised. Whether you do it impressively, emphatically, whether you do it by split decision or whatever the case may be,” Henderson said.

“I’m always after beating the guy up,” Henderson continued. “I always want to beat the guy up. I don’t care about judges or decisions or this or that. I just want to go out there and beat the guy up.”

Dana White also stuck up for the promotion’s champ, by accurately pointing out that not only has Henderson defeated many of the planet’s best lightweights, but he could set a new record for title defenses if he beats Pettis (at four).

“He’ll break the record for most title defenses, you know,” White said. “He’s got wins over Frankie Edgar twice, Cerrone twice, he beat [Jim] Miller, Gilbert Melendez, he’s beat everybody.”

But will avenging his loss to Pettis, or setting a new record for title defenses silence Henderson’s critics? Obviously, if “Smooth” goes out and scores an impressive, one sided victory, then one would think Henderson will win over many of his detractors. If Henderson just narrowly gets by Pettis with a decision win driven by takedowns and a controlling top game, however, then probably not. Even though Henderson will be the longest standing lightweight champ in UFC history. It’s not easy being at the top…