It was the event that made history without even a single punch, kick or takedown occurring. UFC 151 was set to be an event that would mark the return for a number of vintage fighters: Dan Henderson, Jay Heiron and Dennis Hallman were all set to make the mark at the event. Unfortunately, UFC 151 would go down not as a return for many – but, as the first card in the history of the promotion to be cancelled.
While the even was not necessarily the most stacked card of the year, the main event between lightheavyweight champion Jon Jones and Dan Henderson was set to be one of the last real tests for Jones at 205lbs. With the fight now re-scheduled for UFC 152, there are still a lot of unanswered questions left open about the event that never happened.
I thought I would take it upon myself to report the results of the event as I think I would have seen them play-out:
Main Event: Jones vs. Henderson
Round 1: Henderson and Jones spend the first minute of the fight circling each other – feeling out each others range. Henderson is kept at bay by the long-range of Jones, but isn’t afraid to duck inside as he tries stick in with a short jab. He misses, but it was meant to feel out the champ’s chin, more than put him on the ground. In a surprise move, the champ goes for a takedown – Henderson stuffs it, and rebuffs the champ with an arrogant smile. After a few brief exchanges, amounting to little damage, the round ends with fairly little drama
Round 2: Henderson looks like he’s ready to put this one away. Henderson starts circling around the ring, right hand cocked, ready to unleash his patented H-Bomb. Henderson leaps in with the booming right hand and stumbles, the champ takes advantage and puts him on the ground. Jones doesn’t appear to be doing much, but it is clear that he is trying to slowly move into a submission position. Henderson defends effectively against the champ, but it is clear that he is gassed when he gets to his feet. Jones wastes no time going for another takedown; but, with only a few minutes left on the clock the takedown is in vain.
Round 3: Between rounds we see Henderson breathing heavily; it’s clear when he enters the ring that he has exhausted much of his cardio reserves. Jones dances around Henderson landing soft, but effective jabs. Recounting his success in the second round with takedown, Jones grabs both of Henderson legs and puts him on the ground. Henderson mounts a paltry gaurd against the champion, and Jones quickly moves to Henderson’s back. Henderson spins, trying to sweep Jones – but, instead Bones ends up in a top-mount position. After about :20 of reigning down bombs on Henderson, referee Herb Dean stops the fight.
Jones retains his title. Henderson annoucnces post-fight that he’ll be back, but most speculate that this will be his last fight in the octagon.
Other Results:
Jake Ellenberger v. Jay Heiron: Ellenberger decisions Heiron. People continue to wonder why Heiron keeps getting second chances in the UFC.
Dennis Siver v. Eddie Yagin: Yagin decisions the once promising Siver. Yagin is quickly moving up the ranks, and seems poised for a title shot.
Thiago Tavares v. Dennis Hallman: Hallman submits Tavares, in the second round with a rear-naked choke. It’s a surprising win for the aging Hallman.
