In this light heavyweight bout, Henderson (28-8) makes his return to the UFC after a two-year stint with Strikeforce. Henderson has won his last three fights, most recently a TKO over Fedor Emelianenko in July. Rua (20-5) lost his UFC belt in March to Jon Jones and then bounced back with a KO over Forrest Griffin in August.
Round 1: Referee Josh Rosenthal brings them to the center and they tough gloves to start us off. Rua tosses out a couple kicks and Hendo wastes no time blasting him with a big right hand just as Rua is reaching for a takedown. Rua is hurt. Hendo thinks about a guillotine, then releases it and fires away with a punch combo as Rua covers up. We're barely a minute in and Rua is bleeding everywhere. Hendo drops him to the mat and just walks away rather than following into his guard. Good knee from Rua, but Henderson is unfazed. Rua tries for a takedown, but that's going to be tough against Henderson. Rua fires off a big punch and now Hendo is down. He reaches for a single-leg as Rua hamerfists the side of his head, and it buys him enough time to recover. Hendo is backing away now, clearly wary of Rua's power. They end the round in the clinch, both men grabbing some air. MMA Fighting scores the round 10-9 for Henderson.
Round 2: Hendo starts the round with a little more respect for Rua's power, looking for a takedown when the Brazilian moves in too close. They get stuck in a clinch against the fence, but it's only temporary. Back in the center, Hendo lands a good right that sends Rua backwards, then slams him with some body shots when he covers up. They're slugging it out in the center now, with both man getting his licks in. Hendo presses Rua against the fence and tries to sap some of his strength in close. Rua's good and bloodied up, breathing out of his mouth. Rosenthal moves in to separate them, and Hendo has some words for the ref. Both men are looking a little worn, but Hendo manages one last good uppercut before the round ends. MMA Fighting scores it 10-9 for Henderson.
Round 3: Hendo goes back to work with the right, and Rua backs him off with a kick. Hendo moves in and lands that vicious uppercut again. Takedown attempt results in a brief scramble, but they're quickly back to their feet and swinging away. Big right by Hendo and Rua is down again. Hendo jumps on him and bounces his head off the mat with more rights, but Rua hangs on and even uses a heel hook to put Hendo on the defensive. Rua's up and pressing Hendo into the fence. Rua's face is a mess now, but he's still in it. Hendo works short elbows as Rua looks for the takedown, but Rua stays after it and puts him down. Hendo works back to his feet and Rua slams him with short lefts all the way. What an incredible fight. Both men stagger aimlessly around after the horn. MMA Fighting scores it 10-9 for Henderson, but honestly, I wouldn't argue with you on most of these rounds.
Round 4: Rua shoots for a takedown right away and gets it, but Henderson reverses him flips him over in a crucifix position. Hendo sees the opportunity for a rear-naked choke, but Rua is slipping out so he transitions to mount, but can't hang on. Rua's left eye looks completely closed as they get to their feet again. A weary Hendo lands a takedown and then scores with some rights after standing up over the grounded Rua. Rua won't quit though, and he's back up again, blinking through the blood. Then, as has been the pattern, Rua comes to life in the final two minutes of the round. He rocks Henderson and sends him reeling. Hendo tries for a takedown, but can't get it. He may be out on his feet here. Rua gets him down, takes mount, and nearly locks up an RNC, but Hendo rolls into top position and barely survives the round. Amazing. MMA Fighting scores it 10-9 for Rua.
Round 5: An exhausted-looking Henderson moves in low and gets flipped onto his back by Rua to start the final frame. Rua takes mount and swings away as Henderson's mouthpiece goes flying. Henderson tries to hang on and manages to pull Rua in with a guillotine that allows him to replace half-guard. Rua slips into mount again and Henderson just can't get him off. Rua works short blows from the top. All Hendo can do is try to survive and minimize the damage. Less than two minutes to go, and Rua has slowed his work rate, but is still in control. Rua postures up to punch and bounces Hendo's head off the mat a couple times before Hendo recovers half-guard. 30 seconds left, and Rua's back to mount. Hendo escapes one last time in the final ten seconds, and he'll survive the round. Should be interesting to see what the judges say. MMA Fighting scores the round 10-8 for Rua.
Dan Henderson def. "Shogun" Rua via unanimous decision (48-47 x 3)
UFC 139 Photos
Danny Castillo stays on top of Shamar Bailey at UFC 139 on Saturday, Nov. 19, 2011 at the HP Pavilion in San Jose, Calif.
Esther Lin, MMA Fighting
UFC 139 Photos
Danny Castillo ground and pounds Shamar Bailey at UFC 139 on Saturday, Nov. 19, 2011 at the HP Pavilion in San Jose, Calif.
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UFC 139 Photos
Danny Castillo finishes Shamar Bailey via first-round TKO at UFC 139 on Saturday, Nov. 19, 2011 at the HP Pavilion in San Jose, Calif. Esther Lin, MMA Fighting
UFC 139 Photos
Danny Castillo def. Shamar Bailey via first-round TKO at UFC 139 on Saturday, Nov. 19, 2011 at the HP Pavilion in San Jose, Calif. Esther Lin, MMA Fighting
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Matt Brown attempts to takedown Seth Baczynski at UFC 139 on Saturday, Nov. 19, 2011 at the HP Pavilion in San Jose, Calif.
Esther Lin, MMA Fighting
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Seth Baczynski submits Matt Brown with a guillotine choke at UFC 139 on Saturday, Nov. 19, 2011 at the HP Pavilion in San Jose, Calif. Esther Lin, MMA Fighting
UFC 139 Photos
Seth Baczynski taps out Matt Brown with a guillotine at UFC 139 on Saturday, Nov. 19, 2011 at the HP Pavilion in San Jose, Calif. Esther Lin, MMA Fighting
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Seth Baczynski celebrates his submission win over Matt Brown at UFC 139 on Saturday, Nov. 19, 2011 at the HP Pavilion in San Jose, Calif.
Esther Lin, MMA Fighting
UFC 139 Photos
Seth Baczynski def. Matt Brown via submission (guillotine choke) at UFC 139 on Saturday, Nov. 19, 2011 at the HP Pavilion in San Jose, Calif.
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Miguel Torres moments away from facing Nick Pace at UFC 139 on Saturday, Nov. 19, 2011 at the HP Pavilion in San Jose, Calif. Esther Lin, MMA Fighting
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Nick Pace knees Miguel Torres at UFC 139 on Saturday, Nov. 19, 2011 at the HP Pavilion in San Jose, Calif. Esther Lin, MMA Fighting
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Miguel Torres kicks Nick Pace at UFC 139 on Saturday, Nov. 19, 2011 at the HP Pavilion in San Jose, Calif. Esther Lin, MMA Fighting
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Nick Pace's hand is checked at UFC 139 on Saturday, Nov. 19, 2011 at the HP Pavilion in San Jose, Calif. Esther Lin, MMA Fighting
UFC 139 Photos
Miguel Torres def. Nick Pace via unanimous decision at UFC 139 on Saturday, Nov. 19, 2011 at the HP Pavilion in San Jose, Calif. Esther Lin, MMA Fighting
UFC 139 Photos
Rafael dos Anjos tries to take down Gleison Tibau at UFC 139 on Saturday, Nov. 19, 2011 at the HP Pavilion in San Jose, Calif. Esther Lin, MMA Fighting
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Gleison Tibau swings a left hand at Rafael dos Anjos at UFC 139 on Saturday, Nov. 19, 2011 at the HP Pavilion in San Jose, Calif. Esther Lin, MMA Fighting
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Gleison Tibau throws down with Rafael dos Anjos at UFC 139 on Saturday, Nov. 19, 2011 at the HP Pavilion in San Jose, Calif. Esther Lin, MMA Fighting
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Rafael dos Anjos tries to counter Gleison Tibau at UFC 139 on Saturday, Nov. 19, 2011 at the HP Pavilion in San Jose, Calif. Esther Lin, MMA Fighting
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Rafael dos Anjos receives corner instructions at UFC 139 on Saturday, Nov. 19, 2011 at the HP Pavilion in San Jose, Calif. Esther Lin, MMA Fighting
UFC 139 Photos
Gleison Tibau def. Rafael dos Anjos via split decision at UFC 139 on Saturday, Nov. 19, 2011 at the HP Pavilion in San Jose, Calif. Esther Lin, MMA Fighting
UFC 139 Photos
Tom Lawlor enters to "Get Physical" at UFC 139 on Saturday, Nov. 19, 2011 at the HP Pavilion in San Jose, Calif. Esther Lin, MMA Fighting
UFC 139 Photos
Chris Weidman kicks Tom Lawlor at UFC 139 on Saturday, Nov. 19, 2011 at the HP Pavilion in San Jose, Calif. Esther Lin, MMA Fighting
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Tom Lawlor gives props to Chris Weidman at UFC 139 on Saturday, Nov. 19, 2011 at the HP Pavilion in San Jose, Calif. Esther Lin, MMA Fighting
UFC 139 Photos
Chris Weidman def. Tom Lawlor via technical submission (D'arce choke) at UFC 139 on Saturday, Nov. 19, 2011 at the HP Pavilion in San Jose, Calif. Esther Lin, MMA Fighting
UFC 139 Photos
Chris Weidman attempts a choke on Tom Lawlor at UFC 139 on Saturday, Nov. 19, 2011 at the HP Pavilion in San Jose, Calif. Esther Lin, MMA Fighting
UFC 139 Photos
Chris Weidman puts Tom Lawlor to sleep with a D'arce choke at UFC 139 on Saturday, Nov. 19, 2011 at the HP Pavilion in San Jose, Calif. Esther Lin, MMA Fighting
UFC 139 Photos
Michael McDonald knocks down Alex Soto at UFC 139 on Saturday, Nov. 19, 2011 at the HP Pavilion in San Jose, Calif. Esther Lin, MMA Fighting
UFC 139 Photos
Michael McDonald punches Alex Soto at UFC 139 on Saturday, Nov. 19, 2011 at the HP Pavilion in San Jose, Calif. Esther Lin, MMA Fighting
UFC 139 Photos
Michael McDonald punches Alex Soto at UFC 139 on Saturday, Nov. 19, 2011 at the HP Pavilion in San Jose, Calif. Esther Lin, MMA Fighting
UFC 139 Photos
Michael McDonald tries to finish Alex Soto at UFC 139 on Saturday, Nov. 19, 2011 at the HP Pavilion in San Jose, Calif. Esther Lin, MMA Fighting
UFC 139 Photos
Michael McDonald goes after Alex Soto at UFC 139 on Saturday, Nov. 19, 2011 at the HP Pavilion in San Jose, Calif. Esther Lin, MMA Fighting
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The referee attends to Alex Soto at UFC 139 on Saturday, Nov. 19, 2011 at the HP Pavilion in San Jose, Calif. Esther Lin, MMA Fighting
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Alex Soto wakes up after his knockout loss to Michael McDonald at UFC 139 on Saturday, Nov. 19, 2011 at the HP Pavilion in San Jose, Calif. Esther Lin, MMA Fighting
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Michael McDonald beats Alex Soto via KO at UFC 139 on Saturday, Nov. 19, 2011 at the HP Pavilion in San Jose, Calif. Esther Lin, MMA Fighting
UFC 139 Photos
Michael McDonald heads to the locker room after his first-round KO win over Alex Soto at UFC 139 on Saturday, Nov. 19, 2011 at the HP Pavilion in San Jose, Calif. Esther Lin, MMA Fighting
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Ryan Bader def. Jason Brilz via first-round KO at UFC 139 on Saturday, Nov. 19, 2011 at the HP Pavilion in San Jose, Calif. Esther Lin, MMA Fighting
UFC 139 Photos
Ryan Bader celebrates after knocking out Jason Brilz at UFC 139 on Saturday, Nov. 19, 2011 at the HP Pavilion in San Jose, Calif. Esther Lin, MMA Fighting
UFC 139 Photos
Ryan Bader celebrates after knocking out Jason Brilz at UFC 139 on Saturday, Nov. 19, 2011 at the HP Pavilion in San Jose, Calif. Esther Lin, MMA Fighting
UFC 139 Photos
Ryan Bader punches Jason Brilz at UFC 139 on Saturday, Nov. 19, 2011 at the HP Pavilion in San Jose, Calif. Esther Lin, MMA Fighting
UFC 139 Photos
Stephan Bonnar def. Kyle Kingsbury via unanimous decision at UFC 139 on Saturday, Nov. 19, 2011 at the HP Pavilion in San Jose, Calif. Esther Lin, MMA Fighting
UFC 139 Photos
Stephan Bonnar attacks from top of Kyle Kingsbury at UFC 139 on Saturday, Nov. 19, 2011 at the HP Pavilion in San Jose, Calif. Esther Lin, MMA Fighting
UFC 139 Photos
Stephan Bonnar controls Kyle Kingsbury at UFC 139 on Saturday, Nov. 19, 2011 at the HP Pavilion in San Jose, Calif. Esther Lin, MMA Fighting
UFC 139 Photos
Stephan Bonnar takes a breather in between rounds at UFC 139 on Saturday, Nov. 19, 2011 at the HP Pavilion in San Jose, Calif. Esther Lin, MMA Fighting
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Stephan Bonnar mounts Kyle Kingsbury at UFC 139 on Saturday, Nov. 19, 2011 at the HP Pavilion in San Jose, Calif. Esther Lin, MMA Fighting
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Stephan Bonnar knees Kyle Kingsbury at UFC 139 on Saturday, Nov. 19, 2011 at the HP Pavilion in San Jose, Calif. Esther Lin, MMA Fighting
UFC 139 Photos
Kyle Kingsbury punches Stephan Bonnar at UFC 139 on Saturday, Nov. 19, 2011 at the HP Pavilion in San Jose, Calif. Esther Lin, MMA Fighting
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Kyle Kingsbury punches Stephan Bonnar at UFC 139 on Saturday, Nov. 19, 2011 at the HP Pavilion in San Jose, Calif. Esther Lin, MMA Fighting
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Stephan Bonnar battles Kyle Kingsbury at UFC 139 on Saturday, Nov. 19, 2011 at the HP Pavilion in San Jose, Calif. Esther Lin, MMA Fighting
UFC 139 Photos
Stephan Bonnar eats a punch from Kyle Kingsbury at UFC 139 on Saturday, Nov. 19, 2011 at the HP Pavilion in San Jose, Calif. Esther Lin, MMA Fighting
UFC 139 Photos
Dan Henderson celebrates with his team after beating Mauricio "Shogun" Rua via unanimous decision at UFC 139 on Saturday, Nov. 19, 2011 at the HP Pavilion in San Jose, Calif.
Esther Lin, MMA Fighting
UFC 139 Photos
Dan Henderson def. Mauricio "Shogun" Rua via unanimous decision at UFC 139 on Saturday, Nov. 19, 2011 at the HP Pavilion in San Jose, Calif.
Esther Lin, MMA Fighting
UFC 139 Photos
Maurico "Shogun" Rua ground and pounds Dan Henderson at UFC 139 on Saturday, Nov. 19, 2011 at the HP Pavilion in San Jose, Calif. Esther Lin, MMA Fighting
UFC 139 Photos
Maurico "Shogun" Rua mounts Dan Henderson at UFC 139 on Saturday, Nov. 19, 2011 at the HP Pavilion in San Jose, Calif. Esther Lin, MMA Fighting
UFC 139 Photos
Maurico "Shogun" Rua ground and pounds Dan Henderson at UFC 139 on Saturday, Nov. 19, 2011 at the HP Pavilion in San Jose, Calif. Esther Lin, MMA Fighting
UFC 139 Photos
The face of Mauricio "Shogun" Rua is a mess as he readies for the fifth round at UFC 139 on Saturday, Nov. 19, 2011 at the HP Pavilion in San Jose, Calif. Esther Lin, MMA Fighting
UFC 139 Photos
Dan Henderson exhausted heading into the fifth and final round against Mauricio "Shogun" Rua at UFC 139 on Saturday, Nov. 19, 2011 at the HP Pavilion in San Jose, Calif.
Esther Lin, MMA Fighting
UFC 139 Photos
Dan Henderson punches Mauricio "Shogun" Rua at UFC 139 on Saturday, Nov. 19, 2011 at the HP Pavilion in San Jose, Calif.
Esther Lin, MMA Fighting
UFC 139 Photos
Dan Henderson punches Mauricio "Shogun" Rua at UFC 139 on Saturday, Nov. 19, 2011 at the HP Pavilion in San Jose, Calif.
Esther Lin, MMA Fighting
UFC 139 Photos
Dan Henderson controls Mauricio "Shogun" Rua at UFC 139 on Saturday, Nov. 19, 2011 at the HP Pavilion in San Jose, Calif.
Esther Lin, MMA Fighting
UFC 139 Photos
Mauricio "Shogun" Rua punches Dan Henderson at UFC 139 on Saturday, Nov. 19, 2011 at the HP Pavilion in San Jose, Calif.
Esther Lin, MMA Fighting
UFC 139 Photos
Dan Henderson ground and pounds Mauricio "Shogun" Rua at UFC 139 on Saturday, Nov. 19, 2011 at the HP Pavilion in San Jose, Calif. Esther Lin, MMA Fighting
UFC 139 Photos
Dan Henderson ground and pounds Mauricio "Shogun" Rua at UFC 139 on Saturday, Nov. 19, 2011 at the HP Pavilion in San Jose, Calif. Esther Lin, MMA Fighting
UFC 139 Photos
Mauricio "Shogun" Rua kicks Dan Henderson at UFC 139 on Saturday, Nov. 19, 2011 at the HP Pavilion in San Jose, Calif. Esther Lin, MMA Fighting
UFC 139 Photos
Mauricio "Shogun" Rua punches Dan Henderson at UFC 139 on Saturday, Nov. 19, 2011 at the HP Pavilion in San Jose, Calif. Esther Lin, MMA Fighting
UFC 139 Photos
Mauricio "Shogun" Rua punches Dan Henderson at UFC 139 on Saturday, Nov. 19, 2011 at the HP Pavilion in San Jose, Calif. Esther Lin, MMA Fighting
UFC 139 Photos
Dan Henderson punches Mauricio "Shogun" Rua at UFC 139 on Saturday, Nov. 19, 2011 at the HP Pavilion in San Jose, Calif. Esther Lin, MMA Fighting
UFC 139 Photos
Dan Henderson uppercuts Maurico "Shogun" Rua at UFC 139 on Saturday, Nov. 19, 2011 at the HP Pavilion in San Jose, Calif. Esther Lin, MMA Fighting
UFC 139 Photos
Urijah Faber calls out bantamweight champion Dominick Cruz after Faber's win at UFC 139 on Saturday, Nov. 19, 2011 at the HP Pavilion in San Jose, Calif. Esther Lin, MMA Fighting
UFC 139 Photos
Urijah Faber def. Brian Bowles via submission (guillotine choke) at UFC 139 on Saturday, Nov. 19, 2011 at the HP Pavilion in San Jose, Calif. Esther Lin, MMA Fighting
UFC 139 Photos
Urijah Faber submits Brian Bowles with a guillotine choke at UFC 139 on Saturday, Nov. 19, 2011 at the HP Pavilion in San Jose, Calif. Esther Lin, MMA Fighting
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Urijah Faber looks to finish Brian Bowles at UFC 139 on Saturday, Nov. 19, 2011 at the HP Pavilion in San Jose, Calif. Esther Lin, MMA Fighting
UFC 139 Photos
Urijah Faber punches Brian Bowles at UFC 139 on Saturday, Nov. 19, 2011 at the HP Pavilion in San Jose, Calif. Esther Lin, MMA Fighting
UFC 139 Photos
Urijah Faber punches Brian Bowles at UFC 139 on Saturday, Nov. 19, 2011 at the HP Pavilion in San Jose, Calif. Esther Lin, MMA Fighting
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Brian Bowles charges Urijah Faber at UFC 139 on Saturday, Nov. 19, 2011 at the HP Pavilion in San Jose, Calif. Esther Lin, MMA Fighting
UFC 139 Photos
Urijah Faber punches Brian Bowles at UFC 139 on Saturday, Nov. 19, 2011 at the HP Pavilion in San Jose, Calif.
Esther Lin, MMA Fighting
UFC 139 Photos
Wanderlei Silva def. Cung Le via second-round TKO at UFC 139 on Saturday, Nov. 19, 2011 at the HP Pavilion in San Jose, Calif. Esther Lin, MMA Fighting
UFC 139 Photos
The doctor attends to Cung Le at UFC 139 on Saturday, Nov. 19, 2011 at the HP Pavilion in San Jose, Calif. Esther Lin, MMA Fighting
UFC 139 Photos
Wanderlei Silva celebrates his win over Cung Le at UFC 139 on Saturday, Nov. 19, 2011 at the HP Pavilion in San Jose, Calif. Esther Lin, MMA Fighting
UFC 139 Photos
Wanderlei Silva gets up after stopping Cung Le at UFC 139 on Saturday, Nov. 19, 2011 at the HP Pavilion in San Jose, Calif. Esther Lin, MMA Fighting
UFC 139 Photos
Wanderlei Silva punches Cung Le at UFC 139 on Saturday, Nov. 19, 2011 at the HP Pavilion in San Jose, Calif. Esther Lin, MMA Fighting
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Wanderlei Silva celebrates his TKO win over Cung Le at UFC 139 on Saturday, Nov. 19, 2011 at the HP Pavilion in San Jose, Calif. Esther Lin, MMA Fighting
UFC 139 Photos
Cung Le is backed against the cage at UFC 139 on Saturday, Nov. 19, 2011 at the HP Pavilion in San Jose, Calif. Esther Lin, MMA Fighting
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Wanderlei Silva knees Cung Le at UFC 139 on Saturday, Nov. 19, 2011 at the HP Pavilion in San Jose, Calif. Esther Lin, MMA Fighting
UFC 139 Photos
Wanderlei Silva collides with Cung Le at UFC 139 on Saturday, Nov. 19, 2011 at the HP Pavilion in San Jose, Calif. Esther Lin, MMA Fighting
UFC 139 Photos
Wanderlei Silva charges after Cung Le at UFC 139 on Saturday, Nov. 19, 2011 at the HP Pavilion in San Jose, Calif. Esther Lin, MMA Fighting
UFC 139 Photos
Cung Le kicks Wanderlei Silva at UFC 139 on Saturday, Nov. 19, 2011 at the HP Pavilion in San Jose, Calif. Esther Lin, MMA Fighting
UFC 139 Photos
Wanderlei Silva hits Cung Le at UFC 139 on Saturday, Nov. 19, 2011 at the HP Pavilion in San Jose, Calif. Esther Lin, MMA Fighting
UFC 139 Photos
Wanderlei Silva blocks one of Cung Le's strikes at UFC 139 on Saturday, Nov. 19, 2011 at the HP Pavilion in San Jose, Calif. Esther Lin, MMA Fighting
UFC 139 Photos
Cung Le feels the pain of Wanderlei Silva's strikes at UFC 139 on Saturday, Nov. 19, 2011 at the HP Pavilion in San Jose, Calif. Esther Lin, MMA Fighting
UFC 139 Photos
Wanderlei Silva kicks Cung Le at UFC 139 on Saturday, Nov. 19, 2011 at the HP Pavilion in San Jose, Calif. Esther Lin, MMA Fighting
UFC 139 Photos
Wanderlei Silva and Cung Le clash at UFC 139 on Saturday, Nov. 19, 2011 at the HP Pavilion in San Jose, Calif. Esther Lin, MMA Fighting
UFC 139 Photos
Cung Le throws a kick at Wanderlei Silva at UFC 139 on Saturday, Nov. 19, 2011 at the HP Pavilion in San Jose, Calif. Esther Lin, MMA Fighting
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Cung Le tries a spinning backfist on Wanderlei Silva at UFC 139 on Saturday, Nov. 19, 2011 at the HP Pavilion in San Jose, Calif. Esther Lin, MMA Fighting
UFC 139 Photos
Cung Le throws a kick at Wanderlei Silva at UFC 139 on Saturday, Nov. 19, 2011 at the HP Pavilion in San Jose, Calif. Esther Lin, MMA Fighting