And still the UFC lightweight champion of the world…
By Fergus Ryan
Finally, the cloud has been lifted.
Benson Henderson, ‘Bendo’ (or ‘Smooth’ if you prefer) emerged again as champion from UFC on Fox 5, secured by a dominant performance in beating Nate Diaz by unanimous decision.
Henderson underwhelmed us with his two performances against Frankie Edgar that many thought Edgar had won.
The debate over the Edgar v Henderson was warranted after two very close fights and it left many questioning whether Henderson was the legitimate champion. But I think most would accept that after those two fights, Henderson had more to give. Thankfully, against Diaz, he gave.
Last weekend we saw the Henderson of old, taking opponents down and dominating them from the top. While on the feet, Henderson out-struck and out-thought Diaz, mixing up punches and kicks that never allowed Diaz get into his striking rhythm.
The lightweight division remains the toughest in the UFC at the moment. It now has a worthy champion with tough tests ahead. 2013 should serve up some great duels at 155lbs.
Log Jam at 205
Alexander Gustafson is on a collision course with Jon Jones. The only thing in the way is the champion’s schedule.
At the pre-fight press conference, UFC president Dana White said the winner of Gustafson v Mauricio ‘Shogun’ Rua would be the next in line for Jon Jones.
Gustafson did his part, defeating Shogun in every round and left the Octagon with barely a mark on his body. ‘The Mauler’ Gustafson used his foot work well to remain elusive and out-strike Rua. The Swede underlined his superiority with a number of takedowns scattered through each round.
In the post-fight press conference, which White did not conduct, the UFC rep said Jon Jones’ opponent after Chael Sonnen had still to be decided. The reason for rowing back on naming Gustafson as the challenger after Sonnen, I guess, is simply down to scheduling.
Dan Henderson was supposed to be next but got injured, leading to the cancellation of UFC 151. Lyoto Machida was supposed to be next after beating Ryan Bader impressively at UFC on Fox 4. Then Sonnen was announced as being next (probably as a ‘thank you’ for stepping up to save UFC 151) ahead of his and Jones’ stint as coaches on TUF 17. Jones meets Sonnen in April, which means the next light-heavyweight title bout would be August at the earliest.
So what do the supporting cast do in the meantime? Does Gustafson sit out for nine months? Machida and Henderson fight in February; does Gustafson fight the winner in a contender eliminator?
All three were told they were next so why should they fight again? If they do end up fighting, whoever against whoever, this would put the light-heavyweight title bout back beyond August, meaning the champion would be the one sitting around.
In case you think I’m complaining, I’m not. I’ve no doubt the UFC will get a plan together and we’ll get to enjoy some good fights while it all gets worked out.
No Gain, lots of Pain
Finally, BJ Penn should neither take or be given another fight at welterweight. If he does ever get his hands wrapped again, it should be to face a lightweight where he’ll be competitive. That is all.
Results
- Benson Henderson def. Nate Diaz via Decision (unanimous)
- Alexander Gustafsson def. Mauricio Rua via Decision (unanimous)
- Rory MacDonald def. BJ Penn Decision (unanimous)
- Matt Brown def. Mike Swick via KO (punches) at 2:31 Round 2
- Yves Edwards def. Jeremy Stephens via KO (punches & elbows) at 1:55 Round 1
- Raphael Assunção def. Mike Easton via Decision (unanimous)
- Ramsey Nijem def. Joe Proctor Decision (unanimous)
- Daron Cruickshank def. Henry Martinez via KO (head kick) at 2:57 Round 2
- Abel Trujillo def. Marcus LeVesseur via TKO (knees to the body) at 3:56 Round 2
- Dennis Siver def. Nam Phan via Decision (unanimous)
- Scott Jorgensen def. John Albert via Submission (rear-naked choke) at 4:59 Round 1
Bonus awards
Fighters were awarded $65,000 bonuses.
- Fight of the Night: Scott Jorgensen vs. John Albert
- Knockout of the Night: Yves Edwards
- Submission of the Night: Scott Jorgensen
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