Instead, I'll create this for everyone to talk about UFC 144. I'll leave some of my thoughts, although I only saw it from Okami-Boetsch fight on.
* Boetsch's comeback was one of the more epic ones I've seen in a while. I still think Frankie's over Maynard was more impressive, but that's taking nothing away form Boetsch. He was getting worked for two rounds, then looked entirely different and went, as Dana put it, "balls to the wall" for the win.
* Jake Shields win was a big one for him as he hadn't been impressive at all in the UFC. He needed that win for himself more than anything. All that being said, I think Akiyama looked really good at welterweight. A lot more impressive than when Vitor destroyed him.
* Kongo is a pretty frustrating fighter to watch. He has all the physical tools of being someone who should dominate, but instead he seems disinterested most of the time and never performs well. For Hunt, that was a big win and he's starting to make a name for himself with three straight wins.
* As one of my favorite fighters, I wanted Rampage to do well. And while his slam was impressive, in reality, from that point on, Bader dominated the fight. However, as I watched the post-fight press conference, it was revealed that Rampage had a knee injury. He nearly didn't fight, but decided to because he wanted to fight in Japan. The doctors told him not too as it was so bad he couldn't run and condition during a lot of his camp, which explains him missing weight. Bader, however, looked impressive and was a big win for him, considering he'd lost two of his last three.
* Benson Henderson was really impressive. He was patient, methodical, conditioned, and a machine. As Joe Rogan said during the fight, it looked like there was a whole weight class between these two. Frankie could fight at 145 while Benson probably could fight at welterweight without problem. The turning point of that fight was the devastating up kick by Benson. If it hadn't come at the end of the round, the fight probably would have ended there. Kudos to Benson and Dana said at the press conference Pettis would be getting the next title fight.
So discuss away, and hopefully we'll pay more attention for the next card.
Kate Bock
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I did not at all. I had Benson winning 4 of the 5 at least
Rudedog: Thankful
Total Comments (27533)
I had Benson taking the few rounds that I didn't score as 10-10's.
How did you give Frankie both the 2nd and the 4th Jim?
Clouis_39
Addison , PA
Total Comments (2089)
The Barbarian's comeback was impressive as hell. Devastating uppercuts.
I wish more guys would go for it like that in the final round when they are down on the scorecards. Nothing to lose.
YODA
Edmonton, AB
Total Comments (7420)
The Barbarian's comeback was impressive as hell. Devastating uppercuts.
I wish more guys would go for it like that in the final round when they are down on the scorecards. Nothing to lose.
YODA
Edmonton, AB
Total Comments (7420)
I'm surprised Bader was able to recover from that powerslam so quickly.
That win over Rampage might put Bader in some deep water for his next fight - maybe Hendo or Machida. It'll be interesting to see who they give him.
YODA
Edmonton, AB
Total Comments (7420)
Sexyama's judo throws were great. He did look good at 170 - good movement, good strength in stuffing 10 of Jake's 12 takedown attempts. He just needed to be more aggressive with the striking to make Jake scramble some more.
YODA
Edmonton, AB
Total Comments (7420)
Edgar is an incredible fighter.
Even when he suffers damage, he just keeps plugging away at full speed. Great recovery from that powerful upkick - and also an impressive job escaping that guillotine sub attempt.
Hope he decides to fight Aldo next for the featherweight belt.
YODA
Edmonton, AB
Total Comments (7420)
Definitely don't think it's the worst ever. There's been many more controversial. I thought Benson won though. He was also the aggressor for most the night too, which accounts for something.
Rudedog: Thankful
Total Comments (27533)
I scored it 48-47 Bendo using 10-9s all the way since judges are so reluctant to use 10-10s even in close rounds.
Striking was close. Seemed like slightly more overall strikes landed by Frankie, but more "significant" strikes landed by Bendo (including the upkick and 2-3 good power-jabs)
Frankie scored more takedowns by my count (5 to 2, I think).
Bendo had one good sub attempt.
Frankie's busted up face might have been the difference maker in the eyes of the judges. He deserves a LW title rematch (since Penn got one) but I'd rather see him against Aldo since Aldo doesn't seem to have any legit challengers right now (excluding Hioki, who doesn't have great standup).
YODA
Edmonton, AB
Total Comments (7420)
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