The co-main event at UFC 158 was a fantastic battle between Johny Hendricks and Carlos Condit. Leading up to the event it was a coin toss to choose who would win, even in Vegas’ eyes.
The fight started with Hendricks looking to catapult Condit’s head off with his trademark big left hook. Unfortunately for Hendricks, “The Natural Born Killer” seemed to have a chin made of steel. When he couldn’t drop the taller fighter, “Big Rigg” decided to go back to his bread and butter and take the fight to the ground. He did little to no damage to Condit when on the ground and eventually Condit was able to get back to his feet. Round two went the same way.
However, in round three, Condit seemed to find his range and began landing more and more shots. It seemed as if Hendricks lost some steam and gassed a little bit, which led to many believing Condit won that round.
When all was said and done, the judges saw the Hendricks winning the fight unanimously (29-28, 29-28, 29-28).
I was watching the fight at a friends house and many agreed with the decision, but one fella thought it was BS. He felt Hendricks did nothing once he got it to the ground and Condit did a ton more damage on the feet. On that note, I caught up with some of the best in the business when it comes to the media and they gave me their scores for the co-main event between Johny Hendricks and Carlos Condit.
E. Spencer Kyte (Keyboard Kimura at The Province) – 29-28 Hendricks with Condit winning the final frame.
Bear Frazer (Fight! Magazine) – I did give the fight to Hendricks. In my opinion, two rounds to one. It was exciting, even when it was on the ground. I think it came to takedowns. Even though Carlos stayed busy while he was on the ground and eventually got up, those takedowns did him in.
Damon Martin (BleacherReport.com) – Fight night I scored it 29-28 Hendricks. Rewatched it yesterday and I think I’d swing it 29-28 Condit. He landed way more shots, controlled the pace and honestly did more damage from the bottom.
Bryan Levick (AlchemistRadio.com) – I gave Hendricks rounds 1 & 2. I wouldn’t have got upset if Condit won because it was that close. I just have a hard time not rewarding Hendricks for scoring all of those takedowns. Fights are about making adjustments & he was able to & Condit couldn’t stop it.
Ariel Shnerer (The Fight Network) – Was an exceptionally competitive fight. Scored Rounds 1 and 2 for Johny and Round 3 for Carlos based on the 10 point must system. May be frustrating to score rounds for Johny for takedowns when Carlos appeared to do the most damage in the second round, but the rules are the rules. Don’t think there was really any controversy.
Ian Bain (MMAOpinion.co.uk) – I had it 29-28 Hendricks. I thought he won the first and second round by controlling the fight and where it took place. He was winning the boxing exchanges and then taking him down at will. I know he didn’t do too much when on top but Condit didn’t do a lot either so I always give it to the guy who dictates the position. Condit won the third by landing more and Hendricks tiring but that was a very close round too really. I have no complaints with who got the win, more so that we didn’t get another two rounds!
Justin Faux (MMASucka.com/MMAKanvas.com) – 29-28 Hendricks – I have watched this fight twice now, both times coming to the conclusion that Hendricks took the first two frames and dropped the third. While there were shades of inactivity on the mat from the big bearded welterweight, it’s impossible to discount that he treated Condit like a child and threw him around for a large chunk of that fight.
Media who picked Hendricks – 5
Media who picked Condit – 1
Well, there you have it, almost everyone scored the fight the same as the judges and for Hendricks. All in all it was an exciting fight that delivered for the fans and in turn showed who the true number one contender in the UFC is.
Who did you score the main event fight for?
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(Photo: Eric Bolte, USA TODAY Sports)
