Bellator 183 live blog: Benson Henderson vs. Patricky Freire

This is the Bellator 183 live blog for Benson Henderson vs. Patricky Freire, a lightweight bout at Saturday night’s Bellator event at the SAP Center in San Jose, Calif.

Henderson, the former UFC lightweight champion who has not fought in nearly a year, will square off against Freire, who is coming off a knockout win over Josh Thomson, in the main event.

Check out the Bellator 183 live blog below.

Round 1: A slow start to this one as Freire looks for an opening on the defensive-minded Henderson. The action is briefly stopped by referee “Big” John McCarthy after Henderson accidentally pokes Freire in the eye. After that short pause, Henderson fires off a high kick that leads to him slipping, but Freire can’t follow up. “Pitbull” is looking confident in his boxing and he could be winning the round strictly based on activity.

MMA Fighting scores the round 10-9, Freire.

Round 2: Henderson dives in for a takedown, but it’s stuffed easily. They exchange shots to the body. Henderson focusing on Freire’s legs, he lands a punch to the thigh, then moment later he goes in for another takedown that is defended against the age. Short punches inside by Henderson. He’s really trying to dig in for the takedown, but Freire is keeping a wide base. Switch to a single leg, Freire still defending. Foot stomps from Henderson. Freire lands a knee that Henderson absorbs before going in for a single leg. Henderson kneeing Freire’s thigh, Freire answering with short elbows. They’ve been tied up almost the entire round and they end it that way.

MMA Fighting scores the round 10-9, Henderson. Overall 19-19.

Round 3: Henderson opens up a little with some kicks in the final frame, but nothing really connects. Freire misses with a big right and he has to block another Henderson takedown attempt. Solid leg kick by Freire. He catches Henderson with a knee to the body as Henderson comes in and then scoots away from a takedown. Henderson hitting Freire with kicks to the body. Henderson hits Freire with a nice right hand. Two minutes left and Henderson ducks in for a takedown attempt against the cage. He lands an elbow from an unorthodox angle, which gets Freire’s attention. Freire with elbows in response. Henderson is holding onto a single leg, but they separate. Body shot by Henderson. Freire walking Henderson down, and Henderson seems content to run out the clock.

MMA Fighting scores the round 10-9, Henderson. Overall 29-28.

Official result: Patricky Freire def. Benson Henderson via split decision (29-28, 28-29, 29-28)