PEPSI CENTER WAS “CARBONATED” FOR UFC LIGHTWEIGHT TITLE REMATCH
Denver, CO– They don’t call this the “Mile High City” for naught, and last night it might have been the “Mile & A Half City” as ex-champ Frankie Edgar did all that he could for naught as UFC lightweight (155 lbs) champion Benson Henderson defended the title for the first time with a Split Decision 5 over the man he took the title from earlier this year in Japan. While two judges had it 48-47 for Henderson, the third inexplicably scored the five-five minute round fight 49-46 for Edgar.
ONE JUDGE WAS WAY OFF HERE!
While I think giving Edgar the fight, especially 3 rounds to 1 with 1 even was “off the wall” so to speak, if I were UFC czar Dana White that judge would never work another fight for my organization ever period! Although Edgar was game, Henderson clearly won. Edgar needs to drop to featherweight (145) as he is to small to beat Henderson and says he can cut to the weight sans difficulty.
“THE PRODIGY” WANTS A PIECE OF HENDERSON
Although he won’t be ready for a title fight until he has one or two “return” bouts under his belt, it would appear that ex-champ B.J. “The Prodigy” Penn will figure in Henderson’s future.
Originally slated to fight Rory McDonald in September, that match is off due to McDonald being cut recently in training. It’s unclear as to when Penn, considered the “greatest” lightweight in MMA history, will actually get it on!
“FIGHT OF THE NIGHT” MEANS $60,000 BONUSES FOR BOTH FIGHTERS
Although the “Fight Of The Night” lasted only 1:16, it was a wild bash as both men were intent on inciting a riot, this even before the fight between ex-gym mates Donald Cerrone and Melvin Guillard even took place. Some “bad blood” may have arose when Guillard failed to make weight. Having struggled to make weight myself when I fought, I was incensed when my opponent failed to do so. While it cost Guillard 10% of his purse, that was nothing considering both men got $60,000 bonuses after Cerrone KO’d Guillard just 1:16 seconds into the fight. It was a real war as both men landed potential KO blows before matters ended. With his purse unreported, Cerrone got that and an additional $60,000 bonus for “Knockout of The Night.” Needless to say Cerrone left Denver one happy camper. Not a surprise seeing Cerrone has gotten bonuses in six of his seven UFC appearances.
SUBMISSION OF THE NIGHT COMES STANDING UP!
Dennis Bermudez SUB 1 Tom Hayden with a standing guillotine choke hold at the 4:43 mark. The win earns Bermudez an extra $60K.
ENTIRE UFC 150 RESULTS IN A NUTSHELL!
Jake Shields UD 3 Ed Herman. Scores: 30-27, 30-27, 29-28. Shields a former Strikeforce champ who is NOT known for exciting fights, used his wrestling skills to out maneuver Herman on the ground for the win.
Yushin Okami TKO 2 Buddy Roberts. Time: 3:05.
Max Holloway TKO 2 Justin Lawrence. Time: 4:49. A body shot and punches on the ground brought about the end.
Michael Kuiper TKO 2 Jared Hamman with punches and the referee halted the contest at 2:16.
POTENTIAL “KO OF THE NIGHT” FIGHT!
Although the aforementioned Donald Cerrone got the “Knockout of The Night” Bonus, Erik Perez came real close in stopping (TKO 1) Ken Stone via TKO with punches. The time was :17 seconds into the fight.
Chico Camus UD 3 Dustin Pague. Scores: 29-28 twice & 30-27.
Nick Lentz TKO 1 Eiji Mitsuoka with punches at 3:45 of round one.
Pedro Fernandez