The former Strikeforce and PRIDE champion somehow survived a barnstorming first round, in which both fighters were dropped and almost finished, to produce a stunning come from behind win.
Henderson landed a heavy head kick and sharp back elbow to become the first person to stop Lombard by strikes.
It was one of the most brutal stoppages in UFC history and could provide the perfect ending to Henderson’s storied career should he decide to call it quits.
“I don’t want to make any decisions emotionally, but knowing that in my mind there’s a possibility that might’ve been the last one. It was obviously a good one to have that and all my kids and everybody were able to come. It was a little more emotional,” he said.
Elsewhere, talented featherweight Max Holloway boosted his title credentials with a unanimous decision victory over fellow top contender Ricardo Lamas.
The Hawaiian put on a striking clinic but couldn’t find the finish against a durable Lamas.
However, he extended his win streak to nine – his last defeat coming against the current champ Conor McGregor in 2013.
