In a night that personified the visceral splendor that is mixed martial arts, it seemed inevitable Ben Henderson and Frankie Edgar would deliver its crowning moment. And they didn't disappoint.
Henderson and Edgar traded blows for five rounds in the main event of UFC 144, capping the year's most electrifying night of fights in aptly spectacular fashion. Ultimately the judges awarded Henderson the unanimous decision victory (49-46, 48-47, 49-46) and with it the UFC lightweight strap, despite a valiant effort from the fallen champion.
Though once again the result was as razor-thin as they come, and while Henderson reveled in the afterglow of his greatest professional triumph, a slew of fellow fighters flooded the digital plains with their scorecards of the controversial title tilt.
Agreed. I've got Edgar either 3-2 or 4-1. Great fight though. RT @danawhite: No matter who wins this will be controversy!!!
— Dan Henderson (@danhendo) February 26, 2012
Wow. Even more controversial then I thought.Great fight, fans will def be asking for a rematch.
— Dan Henderson (@danhendo) February 26, 2012
Ok I don't say this ever, but that was the absolute worst decision I have EVER seen.
— Amir Sadollah (@amirMMA) February 26, 2012
Henderson is winning clearly "@danawhite: How do you guys have this fight scored right now???"
— juniorcigano (@junior_cigano) February 26, 2012
I think Frankie should have won...
— The Diamond (@DustinPoirier) February 26, 2012
Awesome fight @jakeshieldsajj .Great main event tonight. Thought Frankie won a close fight but Ben looked amazing out there. Thanks UFC
— Gilbert Melendez (@GilbertMelendez) February 26, 2012
Frankie Edgar is the real life Rocky Balboa!!
— Rashad Evans (@SugaRashadEvans) February 26, 2012
Ill give ben the fifth. We might have a new champion.
— Nam Phan (@NamPhanMMA) February 26, 2012
Wow!! Love Benson. It was a close fight but I had Frankie winning that fight.
— Kenny Florian (@kennyflorian) February 26, 2012
Henderson winning isn't necessarily the issue for me. Inconsistency of the judging is. Bendo is the champ & put on a sick performance!
— Kenny Florian (@kennyflorian) February 26, 2012
@kennyflorian I agree @FrankieEdgar was more busy striker and score more takedowns.. How the score that unanimous decision..
— Fabricio Camões (@fabriciocamoes) February 26, 2012
I thought Frankie won @UFC
— Ken Stone (@K3nStone) February 26, 2012
I make a horrible judge!
— Duane Ludwig (@DUANEBANGCOM) February 26, 2012
Frankie won IMO.
— Yves Edwards (@thugjitsumaster) February 26, 2012
RT @jmercadoMMA: I'm getting sad.Frankie clearly won but people don't understand that visual damage is not apart of the scoring system
— Conor Heun (@ConorHeun) February 26, 2012
@IronMike333 I probably woulda had it a draw honestly 2 rounds Edgar, 2 rounds Benson & 1 rnd tied. SO close great fight
— Miesha Tate (@MieshaTate) February 26, 2012
I'm so inspired right now!! That fight was incredible !! Ben and Frankie are warriors . Thank u guys! #UFC144
— Joseph Benavidez (@JoeJitsu) February 26, 2012
It was a damn good fight. I feel Frankie definitely won it. Don't worry brother youll be back on top. Forget cutting weight 155 is your home
— Rad Martinez (@radmFTW) February 26, 2012
Ben Henderson is the most well rounded fighter in the world (wrestling, cardio, stand up,jiu jitsu, big 155) #UFC144
— Derek Brunson (@DerekBrunsonMMA) February 26, 2012
They're both winners in my book #UFC144
— Cub Swanson (@CubSwanson) February 26, 2012
I believe damage done needs to play a factor in judging a round. And I believe Benson Henderson did more damage in all rounds. #Champ
— Pat Schilling (@PatSchilling) February 26, 2012
BJ and Gray got immediate rematches in close fights with Frankie, so Frankie should at least get a rematch after that war I thought he won
— John Cholish (@JohnCholish) February 26, 2012