Last night at UFC 144 there were a number of significant moments that took place: first UFC event in Japan in over 10 years, potentially the end of days for Rampage to name a few. However, what stands out as the most prominent moment of the night was the lightweight championship bout between Frankie Edgar and Ben Henderson. The fight was significant not because it was the first (true) title fight of the year, or the headliner in a “new” market; but, because it dictated the course of the most stacked division in the UFC. What I’ve been saying for quite some time came to pass last night – Ben Henderson took home the belt. Ben may have been the answer for Edgar last night, but is he the answer to GSP, Bones and Anderson for the lightweight division? Will he be the next longstanding champion in the UFC?
There’s no doubt that last night’s decision was a close one – but, regardless of what anyone says Benson Henderson dominated the majority of the fight. If you disagree (as I am sure many do), chew on this:
- Henderson landed 87 significant strikes, which was 19 more than Edgar.
- Henderson also hit 59 head strikes on Edgar.
- 3 submission attempts were cinched in by Henderson to Edgar’s none.
- Less statistically driven, but clear as day, Henderson controlled the pace of almost the entire fight.
- Also less by the numbers, Edgar’s face looked like ground chuck at the end of the match. Henderson looked like he just woke up from a long nap.
Put all of these factors together and you have the recipe for a victory, and a new champion.
I’ve always said that Frankie Edgar was less Mike Tyson and more Rocky Balboa. Enduring a beating will only take a fighter so far; and the superior talent and prowess, both on the feet and ground, meant victory for Ben.
Does Ben have a strong chance of holding onto his belt for the foreseeable future? For now, I am going to say “yes” – but, it’s with the greatest of unease that I do so. Look at those in line for a shot: Pettis, Miller, Diaz and of course Edgar. Pettis presents the biggest challenge to Henderson (also the last person to beat Henderson), but all of these fighters have a legit chance of beating Bendo. Henderson has looked good, but not in the same dominant fashion as GSP, Silva or Jones. So, while I think he has a good chance of beating any contender, the tables could easily turn in any match-up with the top talent in the division.
For the record, I don’t think Edgar deserves an immediate re-match. The fight wasn’t that close… and let’s be honest, Frankie Edgar is not BJ Penn.
In the interim, one thing I can guarantee – anyone Henderson fights, it’s going to be fun to watch. Henderson has a talent for keeping fights on the feet and putting on a varied striking clinic, when he’s on the ground he’s always threatening (no lay and pray). With that said, sit back, relax and watch – if Henderson is on the card it’s worth the $49.99 (for SD).
Other notes…
- Not on the main card, but I thought it was worth mentioning that Gomi got back in the win column with a TKO victory in the second round against Mitsuoka.
- Anthony Pettis earned KO of the Night honours with a first round “Cro Cop-esque” head kick to Joe Lauzon.
- Hioki launched himself into the title picture at 145 lbs with a solid decision win Palaszewski.
- In one of the best finishes of the night, after being down the first two rounds, Tim Boetsch came back with :54 left in the 3rd round to beat Yushin Okami.
- Akiyama pretty much guaranteed his pink slip last night with a decision loss to Jake Shields.
- Mark Hunt shocked the world again with his third straight win, a TKO against favoured Cheick Kongo.
- Rampage never really found his groove against Bader and suffered a decision loss. He later blamed the loss on a severe injury.
… and that is the last word.
