Benson “Smooth” Henderson retained his lightweight title over former champ Frankie “The Answer” Edgar in another five round war that is sure to be viewed with controversy due to how close the fight was.
Henderson was able to chop away with low kicks in the first, even dropping Edgar at one point. Edgar was able to catch a kick and take Bendo down towards the end of the round, but wound up in a guillotine that the horn may have saved him from.
Bendo resumed his leg kick attack in the second, again taking out the legs of the challenger. Edgar landed a big right that put Henderson down, Edgar looked to finish with a choke but Henderson was able to disrupt the grip, then keep one hand on the ground to avoid knees.
The third round saw Henderson re-establish his range, keeping Edgar at bay and landing a solid knee. Edgar gave Henderson some of his own medicine with the leg kicks and Bendo landed a solid right hook to end the period.
Championship rounds now as Edgar is looking to increase the tempo. Edgar again with a catch of a kick and takes the fight to the mat. Edgar threatens with a guillotine but Henderson pops out. Edgar’s hands flow in the later part of the round, Bendo’s taunting only gets him smacked again.
This one looks to be for all the marbles in the final frame. Edgar begins the round by connecting with the jab, catching another kick and tossing Bendo to the mat. Edgar keeps finding a home for the right hand but Bendo does land another solid leg kick. Bendo with a great left that has Edgar re-arranging the mouthpiece but Bendo doesn’t follow up. More rights and a grazing head kick from Bendo as the fight ends.
The judges give their verdict and a split decision is announced for the champion as half the crowd approves and the other half is in shock.
