UFC: Benson Henderson submits Brandon Thatch in his welterweight debut

Benson Henderson submitted Brandon Thatch in the fourth round of their welterweight fight.

The former lightweight champion, making his debut at the higher weight class, forced Thatch to quit via a choke hold after dominating him on the ground.

Henderson was forced to be patient before bringing the fight to the mat where he possessed a demonstrable advantage. His first take-down came in the third round but Thatch was narrowly able to avoid a submission - but Henderson got the job done in the fourth.

The fight opened with Henderson landing body punches while staying away from Thatch's trademark knock-out strikes. Thatch, in his hometown, responded with powerful kicks in the second round but tired as the bout wore on.

Henderson enjoyed the better of things in the third but couldn't quite secure a submission hold but had no such problems in the fourth. He wrapped himself around Thatch's back and forced his foe to tap out to a choke.

The victory ended a two-fight losing streak for Henderson.