SAITAMA -- This is the UFC 144 live blog for Frankie Edgar vs. Ben Henderson, the main event of tonight's UFC pay-per-view from the Saitama Super Arena.
Edgar (14-1-1) retained his title last October by knocking out Gray Maynard in their third encounter. Henderson (15-2) went undefeated in 2011, earning decisions over Mark Bocek, Jim Miller and Clay Guida.
Follow the live blog below.
Round 1: Henderson takes the center of the cage. Henderson throws a leg kick. Edgar catches it and Henderson tries to kick with his other leg. Edgar ducks under the kick and Henderson falls down. Edgar lands a punch from the top but Henderson's back to his feet quickly. Edgar with his typical side to side movement, creating angles. Edgar catches another kick and fires off a few back leg kicks and a punch before letting it go. Edgar with a body punch. Edgar looks well schooled on Henderson's attacked, as he's catching many of Henderson's kicks. Henderson scores with a straight left. Edgar takes him down briefly. Back to their feet, Henderson with a knee to the face. Edgar with a left hook. A competitive first round goes to Edgar, 10-9.
Round 2: Edgar with right and left kicks early. A Henderson right cross lands. Edgar has some redness around his left eye. Henderson starting to get more confident and moving forward. Edgar takes Henderson down again and looks to work to his back, but instead breaks his grip and lets him go. Edgar going heavy with the leg kicks while Henderson is targeting the mouse forming under Edgar's eye with the jab. Edgar with a takedown inside of the round's final minute. Edgar with elbows from the top. Henderson hurt Edgar with an upkick and ended up on top. The kick looks like it broke Edgar's nose. Henderson ended the round on top but only for a few seconds. The round goes to Edgar 10-9.
Round 3: Edgar with a nice combo. Edgar fakes a takedown and lands a right hook. He doesn't look any worse for the wear despite the big kick. Edgar and Henderson threw simultaneous kicks and Edgar ended up on the ground. Henderson tried to swarm but Edgar got to the fence and wall walked up to his feet without taking any more damage. Henderson is finding his stride now. This is his best overall round, and he's been in the center of the cage for most of it. Edgar gets a late takedown but MMA Fighting scores it for Henderson, 10-9.
Round 4: Henderson seems to have better timing on Edgar's offense, firing off the jab as Edgar closes. Edgar's changing things up by switching to southpaw occasionally. A kick by Henderson lands low and causes a timeout. Edgar lands a hard right hand as Henderson steps forward. Edgar slams him down but Henderson hooks on a guillotine. Edgar doesn't panic and separates Henderson's legs, causing him to break the hold. Edgar catches another kick, which has been a running theme of the fight. He lands a straight right and Henderson answers with a knee as Edgar pulls out. Another close round, but MMA Fighting scores it for Henderson 10-9.
Round 5: Henderson with a straight left hand. Edgar's cutman did a great job of limiting the blood but now it's coming down his face again. Edgar lands a straight left. Moments later an overhand right. A takedown from Edgar but he can't hold Henderson down. Edgar lands an uppercut and Henderson goes down. It was tough to tell whether he slipped or it was from the punch. Edgar steps into a left hook. Henderson has the center of the cage but Edgar is more active here. Henderson dancing around, showing he's still fresh as we go under 30 seconds left. Henderson lands a jumping knee and takes Edgar down in the final seconds. Oh boy, what a close fight. Edgar landed more, but Henderson landed harder. Someone's going home unhappy. MMA Fighting scores it for Edgar, 10-9.
Winner: Ben Henderson via unanimous decision (49-46, 49-46, 48-47)
- UFC 144 Fight Night Photos Frankie Edgar picks up Ben Henderson at UFC 144 on Feb. 25, 2012 in Saitama, Japan.
- UFC 144 Fight Night Photos Frankie Edgar makes his entrance at UFC 144 on Feb. 25, 2012 in Saitama, Japan.
- UFC 144 Fight Night Photos Frankie Edgar stands with his corner at UFC 144 on Feb. 25, 2012 in Saitama, Japan.
- UFC 144 Fight Night Photos Frankie Edgar takes down Ben Henderson at UFC 144 on Feb. 25, 2012 in Saitama, Japan.
- UFC 144 Fight Night Photos Frankie Edgar punches Ben Henderson at UFC 144 on Feb. 25, 2012 in Saitama, Japan.
- UFC 144 Fight Night Photos Ben Henderson lands a punch on Frankie Edgar at UFC 144 on Feb. 25, 2012 in Saitama, Japan.
- UFC 144 Fight Night Photos Frankie Edgar gets hit by Ben Henderson at UFC 144 on Feb. 25, 2012 in Saitama, Japan.
- UFC 144 Fight Night Photos Ben Henderson punches Frankie Edgar at UFC 144 on Feb. 25, 2012 in Saitama, Japan.
- UFC 144 Fight Night Photos Ben Henderson chases after Frankie Edgar at UFC 144 on Feb. 25, 2012 in Saitama, Japan.
- UFC 144 Fight Night Photos Ben Henderson throws a punch at Frankie Edgar at UFC 144 on Feb. 25, 2012 in Saitama, Japan.
- UFC 144 Fight Night Photos Frankie Edgar collides with Ben Henderson at UFC 144 on Feb. 25, 2012 in Saitama, Japan.
- UFC 144 Fight Night Photos Frankie Edgar kicks Ben Henderson at UFC 144 on Feb. 25, 2012 in Saitama, Japan.
- UFC 144 Fight Night Photos Ben Henderson collides with Frankie Edgar at UFC 144 on Feb. 25, 2012 in Saitama, Japan.
- UFC 144 Fight Night Photos Arianne Celeste looks on at UFC 144 on Feb. 25, 2012 in Saitama, Japan.
- UFC 144 Fight Night Photos Ben Henderson punches Frankie Edgar at UFC 144 on Feb. 25, 2012 in Saitama, Japan.
- UFC 144 Fight Night Photos Frankie Edgar is ready for more at UFC 144 on Feb. 25, 2012 in Saitama, Japan.
- UFC 144 Fight Night Photos Frankie Edgar tries to catch a kick from Ben Henderson at UFC 144 on Feb. 25, 2012 in Saitama, Japan.
- UFC 144 Fight Night Photos Ben Henderson and Frankie Edgar walks to their corners at UFC 144 on Feb. 25, 2012 in Saitama, Japan.
- UFC 144 Fight Night Photos Ben Henderson yells out at UFC 144 on Feb. 25, 2012 in Saitama, Japan.
- UFC 144 Fight Night Photos Ben Henderson tries a guillotine on Frankie Edgar at UFC 144 on Feb. 25, 2012 in Saitama, Japan.
- UFC 144 Fight Night Photos Ben Henderson rushes Frankie Edgar at UFC 144 on Feb. 25, 2012 in Saitama, Japan.
- UFC 144 Fight Night Photos Ben Henderson knees Frankie Edgar at UFC 144 on Feb. 25, 2012 in Saitama, Japan.
- UFC 144 Fight Night Photos Frankie Edgar gets kicked low by Ben Henderson at UFC 144 on Feb. 25, 2012 in Saitama, Japan.
- UFC 144 Fight Night Photos Frankie Edgar raises his arms at UFC 144 on Feb. 25, 2012 in Saitama, Japan.
- UFC 144 Fight Night Photos Frankie Edgar is carried by his corner at UFC 144 on Feb. 25, 2012 in Saitama, Japan.
- UFC 144 Fight Night Photos Ben Henderson def. Frankie Edgar by unanimous decision at UFC 144 on Feb. 25, 2012 in Saitama, Japan.
- UFC 144 Fight Night Photos Ben Henderson's mother watches the fights at UFC 144 on Feb. 25, 2012 in Saitama, Japan.
- UFC 144 Fight Night Photos Ben Henderson celebrates with his team at UFC 144 on Feb. 25, 2012 in Saitama, Japan.
- UFC 144 Fight Night Photos Frankie Edgar watches in disappointment at UFC 144 on Feb. 25, 2012 in Saitama, Japan.
- UFC 144 Fight Night Photos Ben Henderson greets his family and friends at UFC 144 on Feb. 25, 2012 in Saitama, Japan.
- UFC 144 Fight Night Photos Frankie Edgar exits the cage at UFC 144 on Feb. 25, 2012 in Saitama, Japan.
- UFC 144 Fight Night Photos Rampage Jackson howls during his entrance at UFC 144 on Feb. 25, 2012 in Saitama, Japan.
- UFC 144 Fight Night Photos Rampage Jackson butt heads with Ryan Bader at UFC 144 on Feb. 25, 2012 in Saitama, Japan.
- UFC 144 Fight Night Photos Rampage Jackson gives a mean look to Ryan Bader at UFC 144 on Feb. 25, 2012 in Saitama, Japan.
- UFC 144 Fight Night Photos Rampage Jackson throws a punch at Ryan Bader at UFC 144 on Feb. 25, 2012 in Saitama, Japan.
- UFC 144 Fight Night Photos Ryan Bader charges forward at UFC 144 on Feb. 25, 2012 in Saitama, Japan.
- UFC 144 Fight Night Photos Rampage Jackson slams down Ryan Bader at UFC 144 on Feb. 25, 2012 in Saitama, Japan.
- UFC 144 Fight Night Photos Rampage Jackson is stuck on his back against Ryan Bader at UFC 144 on Feb. 25, 2012 in Saitama, Japan.
- UFC 144 Fight Night Photos Rampage Jackson takes a breather at UFC 144 on Feb. 25, 2012 in Saitama, Japan.
- UFC 144 Fight Night Photos Rampage Jackson is stuck on his back against Ryan Bader at UFC 144 on Feb. 25, 2012 in Saitama, Japan.
- UFC 144 Fight Night Photos Ryan Bader takes down Rampage Jackson at UFC 144 on Feb. 25, 2012 in Saitama, Japan.
- UFC 144 Fight Night Photos Ryan Bader tries a choke on Rampage Jackson at UFC 144 on Feb. 25, 2012 in Saitama, Japan.
- UFC 144 Fight Night Photos Rampage Jackson shows his fatigue after his fight at UFC 144 on Feb. 25, 2012 in Saitama, Japan.
- UFC 144 Fight Night Photos Ryan Bader rests after beating Rampage Jackson at UFC 144 on Feb. 25, 2012 in Saitama, Japan.
- UFC 144 Fight Night Photos Ryan Bader beats Rampage Jackson at UFC 144 on Feb. 25, 2012 in Saitama, Japan.
- UFC 144 Fight Night Photos Rampage Jackson greets fans at UFC 144 on Feb. 25, 2012 in Saitama, Japan.
- UFC 144 Fight Night Photos Mark Hunt stretches before his fight at UFC 144 on Feb. 25, 2012 in Saitama, Japan.
- UFC 144 Fight Night Photos Mark Hunt punches Cheick Kongo at UFC 144 on Feb. 25, 2012 in Saitama, Japan.
- UFC 144 Fight Night Photos Mark Hunt punches Cheick Kongo at UFC 144 on Feb. 25, 2012 in Saitama, Japan.
- UFC 144 Fight Night Photos Mark Hunt walks off after finishing Cheick Kongo at UFC 144 on Feb. 25, 2012 in Saitama, Japan.
- UFC 144 Fight Night Photos Mark Hunt beats Cheick Kongo at UFC 144 on Feb. 25, 2012 in Saitama, Japan.
- UFC 144 Fight Night Photos Mark Hunt talks to Joe Rogan at UFC 144 on Feb. 25, 2012 in Saitama, Japan.
- UFC 144 Fight Night Photos Mark Hunt celebrates his win with his team at UFC 144 on Feb. 25, 2012 in Saitama, Japan.
- UFC 144 Fight Night Photos Mark Hunt greets the fans after his win at UFC 144 on Feb. 25, 2012 in Saitama, Japan.
- UFC 144 Fight Night Photos Yoshihiro Akiyama readies to face Jake Shields at UFC 144 on Feb. 25, 2012 in Saitama, Japan.
- UFC 144 Fight Night Photos Jake Shields looks across the cage at UFC 144 on Feb. 25, 2012 in Saitama, Japan.
- UFC 144 Fight Night Photos Jake Shields throws a high kick at Yoshihiro Akiyama at UFC 144 on Feb. 25, 2012 in Saitama, Japan.
- UFC 144 Fight Night Photos Azusa Nishigaki handles Octagon Girl duties at UFC 144 on Feb. 25, 2012 in Saitama, Japan.
- UFC 144 Fight Night Photos Jake Shields throws a punch at Yoshihiro Akiyama at UFC 144 on Feb. 25, 2012 in Saitama, Japan.
- UFC 144 Fight Night Photos Jake Shields throws a punch at Yoshihiro Akiyama at UFC 144 on Feb. 25, 2012 in Saitama, Japan.
- UFC 144 Fight Night Photos Yoshihiro Akiyama battles Jake Shields at UFC 144 on Feb. 25, 2012 in Saitama, Japan.
- UFC 144 Fight Night Photos Jake Shields throws a kick at Yoshihiro Akiyama at UFC 144 on Feb. 25, 2012 in Saitama, Japan.
- UFC 144 Fight Night Photos Yoshihiro Akiyama moves forward against Jake Shields at UFC 144 on Feb. 25, 2012 in Saitama, Japan.
- UFC 144 Fight Night Photos Jake Shields receives instructions from his corner at UFC 144 on Feb. 25, 2012 in Saitama, Japan.
- UFC 144 Fight Night Photos Jake Shields acknowledges the crowd at UFC 144 on Feb. 25, 2012 in Saitama, Japan.
- UFC 144 Fight Night Photos Jake Shields throws a punch at Yoshihiro Akiyama at UFC 144 on Feb. 25, 2012 in Saitama, Japan.
- UFC 144 Fight Night Photos Yoshihiro Akiyama attacks Jake Shields at UFC 144 on Feb. 25, 2012 in Saitama, Japan.
- UFC 144 Fight Night Photos Yoshihiro Akiyama collides with Jake Shields at UFC 144 on Feb. 25, 2012 in Saitama, Japan.
- UFC 144 Fight Night Photos Jake Shields throws a kick at Yoshihiro Akiyama at UFC 144 on Feb. 25, 2012 in Saitama, Japan.
- UFC 144 Fight Night Photos Jake Shields waits for his interview time at UFC 144 on Feb. 25, 2012 in Saitama, Japan.
- UFC 144 Fight Night Photos Jake Shields poses with his corner after his win at UFC 144 on Feb. 25, 2012 in Saitama, Japan.
- UFC 144 Fight Night Photos Tim Boetsch looks at his opponent at UFC 144 on Feb. 25, 2012 in Saitama, Japan.
- UFC 144 Fight Night Photos Yushin Okami says a prayer at UFC 144 on Feb. 25, 2012 in Saitama, Japan.
- UFC 144 Fight Night Photos Tim Boetsch battles Yushin Okami at UFC 144 on Feb. 25, 2012 in Saitama, Japan.
- UFC 144 Fight Night Photos Yushin Okami listens to his corner at UFC 144 on Feb. 25, 2012 in Saitama, Japan.
- UFC 144 Fight Night Photos Tim Boetsch battles Yushin Okami at UFC 144 on Feb. 25, 2012 in Saitama, Japan.
- UFC 144 Fight Night Photos Yushin Okami mounts Tim Boetsch at UFC 144 on Feb. 25, 2012 in Saitama, Japan.
- UFC 144 Fight Night Photos Tim Boetsch celebrates after knocking out Yushin Okami at UFC 144 on Feb. 25, 2012 in Saitama, Japan.
- UFC 144 Fight Night Photos Hatsu Hioki warms up inside the cage at UFC 144 on Feb. 25, 2012 in Saitama, Japan.
- UFC 144 Fight Night Photos Bart Palaszewski enters the cage at UFC 144 on Feb. 25, 2012 in Saitama, Japan.
- UFC 144 Fight Night Photos Hatsu Hioki ground and pounds Bart Palaszewski at UFC 144 on Feb. 25, 2012 in Saitama, Japan.
- UFC 144 Fight Night Photos Hatsu Hioki tries to armbar Bart Palaszewski at UFC 144 on Feb. 25, 2012 in Saitama, Japan.
- UFC 144 Fight Night Photos Hatsu Hioki returns to his corner after the first round at UFC 144 on Feb. 25, 2012 in Saitama, Japan.
- UFC 144 Fight Night Photos Azusa Nishigaki takes a stroll at UFC 144 on Feb. 25, 2012 in Saitama, Japan.
- UFC 144 Fight Night Photos Hatsu Hioki tries to submit Bart Palaszewski at UFC 144 on Feb. 25, 2012 in Saitama, Japan.
- UFC 144 Fight Night Photos Hatsu Hioki attempts to choke out Palaszewski at UFC 144 on Feb. 25, 2012 in Saitama, Japan.
- UFC 144 Fight Night Photos Hatsu Hioki beats Bart Palaszewski at UFC 144 on Feb. 25, 2012 in Saitama, Japan.
- UFC 144 Fight Night Photos Anthony Pettis pumped to face Joe Lauzon at UFC 144 on Feb. 25, 2012 in Saitama, Japan.
- UFC 144 Fight Night Photos Anthony Pettis rocks Joe Lauzon with a kickat UFC 144 on Feb. 25, 2012 in Saitama, Japan.
- UFC 144 Fight Night Photos Anthony Pettis beats Joe Lauzon by KO at UFC 144 on Feb. 25, 2012 in Saitama, Japan.
- UFC 144 Fight Night Photos Takanori Gomi (right) charges towards Eiji Mitsuoka at UFC 144 on Feb. 25, 2012 in Saitama, Japan.
- UFC 144 Fight Night Photos Eiji Mitsuoka punches Takanori Gomi at UFC 144 on Feb. 25, 2012 in Saitama, Japan.
- UFC 144 Fight Night Photos Eiji Mitsuoka hurts Takanori Gomi at UFC 144 on Feb. 25, 2012 in Saitama, Japan.
- UFC 144 Fight Night Photos Takanori Gomi crowds Eiji Mitsuoka at UFC 144 on Feb. 25, 2012 in Saitama, Japan.
- UFC 144 Fight Night Photos Eiji Mitsuoka eats a body kick from Takanori Gomi at UFC 144 on Feb. 25, 2012 in Saitama, Japan.
- UFC 144 Fight Night Photos Takanori Gomi TKOs Eiji Mitsuoka at UFC 144 on Feb. 25, 2012 in Saitama, Japan.
- UFC 144 Fight Night Photos Takanori Gomi celebrates his win over Eiji Mitsuoka at UFC 144 on Feb. 25, 2012 in Saitama, Japan.
- UFC 144 Fight Night Photos Takanori Gomi tells fans "The Fireball Kid" is back at UFC 144 on Feb. 25, 2012 in Saitama, Japan.
- UFC 144 Fight Night Photos Norifumi Yamamoto makes his entrance at UFC 144 on Feb. 25, 2012 in Saitama, Japan.
- UFC 144 Fight Night Photos Vaughan Lee stumbles Norifumi Yamamoto at UFC 144 on Feb. 25, 2012 in Saitama, Japan.
- UFC 144 Fight Night Photos Norifumi Yamamoto unloads with punches on Vaughan Lee at UFC 144 on Feb. 25, 2012 in Saitama, Japan.
- UFC 144 Fight Night Photos Vaughan Lee attempts an armbar on Norifumi Yamamoto at UFC 144 on Feb. 25, 2012 in Saitama, Japan.
- UFC 144 Fight Night Photos Norifumi Yamamoto loses his third straight fight at UFC 144 on Feb. 25, 2012 in Saitama, Japan.
- UFC 144 Fight Night Photos Vaughan Lee beats Norifumi Yamamoto by submission at UFC 144 on Feb. 25, 2012 in Saitama, Japan.
- UFC 144 Fight Night Photos Norifumi Yamamoto sits down in defeat at UFC 144 on Feb. 25, 2012 in Saitama, Japan.
- UFC 144 Fight Night Photos Riki Fukuda punches Steve Cantwell at UFC 144 on Feb. 25, 2012 in Saitama, Japan.
- UFC 144 Fight Night Photos Steve Cantwell throws a punch at Riki Fukuda at UFC 144 on Feb. 25, 2012 in Saitama, Japan.
- UFC 144 Fight Night Photos Riki Fukuda punches Steve Cantwell at UFC 144 on Feb. 25, 2012 in Saitama, Japan.
- UFC 144 Fight Night Photos Riki Fukuda punches Steve Cantwell at UFC 144 on Feb. 25, 2012 in Saitama, Japan.
- UFC 144 Fight Night Photos Riki Fukuda beats Steve Cantwell at UFC 144 on Feb. 25, 2012 in Saitama, Japan.
- UFC 144 Photos Chris Cariaso moves forward against Takeya Mizugaki at UFC 144 on Feb. 25, 2012 in Saitama, Japan.
- UFC 144 Fight Night Photos Chris Cariaso charges Takeya Mizugaki at UFC 144 on Feb. 25, 2012 in Saitama, Japan.
- UFC 144 Photos Chris Cariaso celebrates win over Takeya Mizugaki at UFC 144 on Feb. 25, 2012 in Saitama, Japan.
- UFC 144 Photos Issei Tamura punches Tiequan Zhang at UFC 144 on Feb. 25, 2012 in Saitama, Japan.
- UFC 144 Photos Issei Tamura knocks out Tiequan Zhang at UFC 144 on Feb. 25, 2012 in Saitama, Japan.
- UFC 144 Photos Issei Tamura knocks out Tiequan Zhang at UFC 144 on Feb. 25, 2012 in Saitama, Japan.
In This Stream
UFC 144 Live Play-By-Play
- UFC 144 Live Blog: Frankie Edgar vs. Ben Henderson Updates
- UFC 144 Live Blog: Rampage Jackson vs. Ryan Bader Updates
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