UFC 144 ended with another controversial title fight. This time, it was Frankie Edgar on the wrong end of a judge's decision. Judge's need to score fights more consistently or it could help be the fall of MMA. There is a feeling that a challenger needs to clearly defeat a reigning champion to get the belt, and in my opinion I don't feel like Ben Henderson did that. The decision marred what was up to that point a great night of fights.
Round 1
Both fighters used to the first round to feel each other out, with Henderson having a huge reach advantage over Edgar. Ben threw a lot of kicks, but Frankie caught almost all of them, and in the meantime throwing a few leg kick back. A few punches landed on both sides. However, toward the end of the round Edgar got a takedown that should have been enough to win the round. 10-9 Edgar
Round 2
The first 4 and a half minutes were very similar to the first round, with both guys landing their shots, but nothing doing a lot of damage. Once again, Frankie Edgar takes Henderson down with less than a minute left in the round. Then, what could be considered the turning point in the fight, with Henderson on his back Edgar goes in to land a punch and is knocked down with an up-kick that connected in his face. Edgar's nose was broken, and began bleeding immediately. This was the toughest round of the fight to score, with Edgar controlling most of the round, and even getting another takedown. The up-kick rocked Edgar, but Henderson wasn't able to take advantage of it because the end of the round. 20-18 Edgar
Round 3
Frankie Edgar is tough as nails, but I believe that the broken nose, and a mouse that was growing under his left eye began to effect him in this round. Henderson landed more shots, and looked crisper. Edgar earned two more takedowns, but wasn't able to keep Bendo down. 29-28 Edgar
Round 4
As we enter the championship round, we see much of the same from both fighters. Both guys are standing and trading a wide variety of strikes. Frankie shot in for a takedown, but was caught in a nasty looking guillotine. He fought his way out of it, and tripped Henderson, but once again was unable to hold him down. 38-38
Round 5
Going into the fifth and decisive round, I felt like Henderson had to control Edgar and clearly win the round for the judges to give him the belt. Frankie showed his tremendous heart and championship spirit, digging deep and outstriking Bendo. Edgar landed several clean shots, and was beginning to work angles, even knocking Henderson down. Toward the end of the round Henderson hit a flying knee and is hit Edgar with some vicious ground and pound, but I felt it was too little too late. 48-47 Edgar
The judges scored the fight 49-46, 48-48, and 49-46 for Ben Henderson, which I thought was ridiculous. I can understand if they gave him the second round, but I don't understand how two judges scored it 49-46!!! In a fight like this, three things should be considered: Damage, Strikes Landed, and Takedowns. I can't argue that Henderson did more damage, but mostly came from one shot. On the other hand Frankie out-wrestled him and out-stuck him.
Even more ridiculous is that the UFC isn't going to give Frankie an immediate rematch. Like Edgar said in the post-fight presser, "I had to do 2 immediate rematches, so what's right?" I'm not trying to take anything away from Ben Henderson, but if UFC continues to treat it's fighters unfairly, then the sport will fall just like boxing has.
Another complaint I have was Joe Rogan trying to talk Frankie into moving down to featherweight after a close and grueling title fight. Zuffa has a motive to get Frankie to move down so he can fight Jose Aldo, but it isn't right to get their spokesman, Rogan, to ask the question after a decision loss that coud have easily gone Edgar's way. If he feels comfortable being a true 155-pounder, and doesn't feel like he is at a disadvantage, and doesn't want to cut the ten pounds, why does the UFC keep forcing the issue?
Notes on the Rest of the Card
Bader Decision over Rampage: Once it was announced on Friday that Rampage was injured during camp, and came in 6 pounds overweight for the 205 pound fight I was skeptical. Jackson wanted to fight badly in Japan, and went in against doctor's advice. Bader controlled most of the fight, except for a quick flurry in the second round, including a vintage "Rampage-slam".
Fight Rating ** 1/2
Mark Hunt 1st Round TKO over Cheick Kongo: The former K-1 champion, and legendary Pride fighter, Hunt put on a show for the Japanese crowd. After landing a vicious right hand, and hitting Kongo with a couple of punches on the ground Herb Dean stepped in to stop the fight. It may have been a litte early, considering Kongo's recuperating ability, that was shown in his fight against Pat Barry.
Fight Rating: *** 1/2
Jake Shields Decision over Sexyama: Akiyama didn't really do much in this fight aside from stuffing Shields' takedowns attempts. Jake landed almost double the amount of strikes that Akiyama did, but they didn't really do much damage. This fight didn't do much for either guy's career.
Fight Rating: *
Tim Boetsch 3rd Round TKO over Yushin Okami: To quote Joe Rogan, this was one of the best comeback wins in the history of the UFC. Okami had his way with Boetsch for the first two rounds. Boetsch looked like he was shot out of a cannon in the third round, hitting Okami with a series of uppercuts that knocked him down and out.
Fight Rating *****
Hatsu Hioki Decsion over Bart Palaszewski: Nice action from both guys, but Hioki dominated most of it.
Fight Rating **
Anthony Pettis 1st Round TKO over Joe Lauzon: Pettis showed why he's called "Showtime" with a sick head kick in the first round that dropped Lauzon. He followed it up with a flurry of punches that ended the fight. He could be the Number One Contender for the Lightweight Title
Fight Rating ****
I went a terrible 1-6 in my predictions. On the bright-side I have to do better next time.
What's Next?
Ben Henderson: The champ has a few possible exciting number one contender's to defend his belt against, if Edgar doesn't get an immediate rematch: Possible Opponents: Jim Miller/Nate Diaz winner. Anthony Pettis, Edgar
Frankie Edgar: Edgar has to decide if the UFC's pressure to move down to Featherweight is going to help his career, or if he wants another shot at Henderson's belt. Possible Opponents: Clay Guida, Ben Henderson, Chad Mendes
Rampage Jackson: Rampage is at the tail end of a legendary career. He started talking trash with Rich Franklin in the media this week, or can fight a middle of the road light-heavyweight fighter. Possible Opponents: Franklin, Wanderlei Silva, Tito Ortiz
Ryan Bader: He might have saved his UFC career with this win. Possible Opponents: Lyoto Machida, Dan Henderson, Phil Davis
Jake Shields: In the same boat as Bader. He lives to fight another day. Possible Opponents: Thiago Alves, Diego Sanchez, Johnny Hendricks
Anthony Pettis: Should be the number-one contender. Possible Opponents: Ben Henderson, Frankie Edgar
Yoshihiro Akiyama: This loss might have sealed his fate in the UFC. I'll be surprised if he gets another fight.
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