UFC 125 Recap

Happy New Year MMA Fans…I hope everyone partied responsibly and safely while enjoying the holidays, with that said, let’s get down to business.

This past weekend, the UFC kicked off its first pay per view event of the year: UFC 125 Resolution in its backyard of Sin City. Personally, I was eager for this one because a) the main event was a lightweight title bout and b) it was a rematch between Frankie “The Answer” Edgar and Gray “The Bully” Maynard.

In April 2008, these two fighters squared off at UFC Fight Night: Florian vs Lauzon. Maynard handed Edgar his one and only loss as a professional fighter via unanimous decision that night. So, Edgar was definitely heading into this fight with payback on his mind while Maynard was looking to become top dog in the lightweight division.

The stage was set for a great fight, and the two combatants didn’t disappoint. And yet, when it was all over I found myself with a bad taste in my mouth just like I did after UFC 124. The judges scored the fight a draw (also known as a tie). I don’t know what the judges saw in this fight, but I sincerely thought one man earned a victory. Here’s my take on the fight…

Round 1: After a brief early exchange, Edgar got caught by Maynard with a beautiful left hook that leaves Edgar reeling. For rest of the round, Edgar was valiantly trying to survive/recover while moving on “very wobbly” legs. Maynard, meanwhile, was like a shark after chum. He did everything he could to finish Edgar. Miraculously, Edgar survives the round. My score for Round 1: Edgar 8, Maynard 10.

Rounds 2-4: Edgar regained his wits, and went to work. He stuffed Maynard’s takedown attempts while landing some of his own. Edgar also seemed to be landing the last punch in the exchanges. Lastly, Edgar was the aggressor and set the pace for these rounds. My Score for Rounds 2-4: Edgar 30, Maynard 27.

Round 5: This round was tough because both fighters went full throttle. There was no clear winner in my mind. It was like watching a never-ending volley in a tennis match. My score for Round 5: Edgar 10, Maynard 10. Total score: Edgar 48, Maynard 47.

This is the second time in the last two months that the judges have tainted the main bout of a UFC pay per view. Back in November, Rampage Jackson was wrongfully awarded a split decision over Lyoto Machida in UFC 123’s main bout. As a result, Jackson quickly offered a rematch to Machida.

Maynard and Edgar will also have a rematch as soon as possible (Thank You Dana Clause). To all up and coming MMA fighters out there, let these words from Dana White stay in your minds forever: “Never leave a fight in the judges’ hands.”

Highlights

Other Notable Fights from UFC 125:

Brian Stann def. Chris Leben via TKO (strikes) at 3:37 of Rd 1.

Thiago Silva def. Brandon Vera via unanimous decision.

Dong Hyun Kim def. Nate Diaz via unanimous decision.

Clay Guida def. Takanori Gomi via submission (guillotine choke) at 4:27 of Rd 2.