If you had a chance to read Shaun Al-Shatti’s ‘Pro React’ piece for Saturday’s UFC on FOX 10 you could gather that much of the MMA community didn’t care for the judges’ decision rendered in the main event. Count now one among them, Nate Diaz. As Ben Henderson scored a controversial split decision over Josh Thomson, their common opponent was left to sit and wonder where his place in the lightweight division may be as a result. It took nearly 24 hours for Diaz to comment, but boy did he. Sunday night, Diaz took to Twitter to settle the collective hash of Henderson, Thomson and UFC lightweight champion Anthony Pettis.
I would’ve done a interview but they scared to call I think UFC got you all in check… #marks pic.twitter.com/rrkqRQwqfj
— Nathan Diaz (@NateDiaz209) January 27, 2014
Diaz, who last won ‘Knockout of the Night’ honors over Gray Maynard at the TUF 18 Finale in November, is still waiting on his next opponent. Although undefeated Dagestani Khabib Nurmagomedov was reported to be an option, UFC president Dana White claimed Diaz wasn’t interested. According to Diaz’ manager, the problem was more of a contractual issue. Back in December, Pettis claimed he wanted Diaz this summer in his return bout from a torn PCL, claiming he was tired of hearing Diaz talk. Calling out Pettis has certainly worked for Diaz in the past, why stop now?
5 MUST-READ STORIES
Aftermath. Dave Doyle tries to make sense of a shifting UFC lightweight division.
Always leave it to the judges. Chuck Mindenhall asks just how the hell Ben Henderson keeps winning these questionable decisions.
Post Show. Ariel Helwani is joined by an old friend to break down UFC on FOX 10.
Superbowl Saturday. In the event the big game is moved to Saturday, UFC 169 will shift to Sunday. Plan accordingly.
‘Grinder.’ Dana White didn’t sound too impressed with Ben Henderson’s win Saturday night. “When Ben Henderson has the title, or he’s trying to get back to the title, that’s a Ben Henderson fight. I mean, we’ve seen that fight a million times.”
MEDIA STEW
Make sure to check out tons of post-fight interviews from UFC on FOX 10, as well as a long one with Ariel and CM Punk.
UFC on FOX 10: Post Fight Presser highlights.
Highlights from Henderson vs. Thomson.
Dana White believed Henderson decision was ‘way off.’
Highlights from RFA 12.
BJJ Scout tears Sara McMann’s grappling a new one. Ronda’s looks pretty good.
Ronda Rousey adores boxing.
Keith Jardine will chase you if you steal his mail.
Long watches.
Ben Askren vs. Michael Poeta at AGON III.
Fight Club Q&A with Demetrious Johnson.
TWEETS
Victory lap.
Hats off to @TheRealPunk, WE who lay it on the line know the ups n downs that come w/the job, you’re a stud, mad respect…@ufc #UFConFOX10
— Benson Henderson (@BensonHenderson) January 26, 2014
Thank you so much for the support everyone. Wanted the finish but I’ll take it. Cleveland was representing tonight! Insane.
— Stipe Miocic (@smiocic) January 26, 2014
I wish people would understand I want to fight just to fight! Is this to hard to understand?
— Cowboy Cerrone (@Cowboycerrone) January 27, 2014
The fight & after party = success! Top 10? Lets do this! I couldn’t do it without all of you, THANK YOU! @FuryJury pic.twitter.com/IxXftGoBqB
— Jeremy Stephens (@LiLHeathenMMA) January 26, 2014
Thanks @TigerJabouin for the fight last night. All the best in ur future!
— Eddie Wineland (@EddieWineland) January 26, 2014
Thanks for all the LOVE and the bday wishes everyone. Means a lot! Last night was mad real!!! @Torque1net @MMAINC @TopLineGym
— Chico Camus (@KOMCamus) January 26, 2014
Better luck next time.
Lost broke hand
— gabriel gonzaga (@gonzagabjj) January 26, 2014
I messed up. But I’ll come back Stronger thanks for all the support learned a lot tonight .
— Sergio Pettis (@sergiopettis) January 26, 2014
Thx to my coaches,sparring partners and sponsors for everything. I will be back strong.@tristargym @HAYABUSA_MMA @Alienware @AdrenalineTat2
— Yves Jabouin (@TigerJabouin) January 26, 2014
Thank you to the @ufc for allowing me to do what I love on the big stage I will be back and put it all on the line again thank you!!
— Michael (@TeamRocBiggie) January 26, 2014
Gabriel Gonzaga’s incredibly broken hand.
X-ray http://t.co/2RocPetxuq
— gabriel gonzaga (@gonzagabjj) January 27, 2014
More fun.
It’s entertainment “($)”. If it was just about pride and honor I would have beaten you up in that van and thrown you into oncoming traffic.
— chael sonnen (@sonnench) January 26, 2014
“The Gathering is a subconscious summoning effect which happens in order to force Immortals together, and then force them to participate in the Game. It is not known whether the Gathering is a byproduct of the Quickening, the Power of the Immortals, an outside influence controlling the Game, or any combination thereof.”
Charging the Santa Monica stairs this morning 🙂 http://t.co/Ff4hAVxXRq
— Ronda Rousey (@RondaRousey) January 27, 2014
#stairs #santamonica #goodmorning #cardio #criscyborg #califa #escadaria #punishmentfamily #chuteboxe… http://t.co/rQqNeH5DY4
— Cris Cyborg (@criscyborg) January 26, 2014
Everyone hates robots.
Who the fuck r daft punk ? I don’t get it some robots walking around winning these awards and not saying anything.
— Tim Sylvia (@timsylviamma) January 27, 2014
Joe Riggs really didn’t appreciate some comments regarding Benson Henderson.
Well I had a great time cornering my brother benson tonight. but when my friends tell me what stupid people say… http://t.co/kE3gmIgcTN
— JOE RIGGS (@DIESELRIGGSMMA) January 26, 2014
FIGHT ANNOUNCEMENTS
Announced this weekend (Jan. 24-26 2014)
Joe Warren vs. TBA at Bellator 118
Desmond Green vs. Mike Richman at Bellator 110
Scott Cleve vs. Daniel Weichel at Bellator 110
Will Martinez vs. Goiti Yamauchi at Bellator 110
Jake Ellenberger vs. Tarec Saffiedine at UFC 172
FANPOST OF THE DAY
Today’s Fanpost of the Day comes via Da Headbanger.
What We NOW Know About UFC on FOX 10… And What Should NOW Be Done
I get a feeling that even though the fights were far from bad, the card didn’t exactly go how the UFC had hoped. Benson Henderson and Josh Thomson fought to a split decision that realistically could have gone either way (though I had it scored for Thomson). But… seeing as how one judge inexplicably scored the fight 49-46 for Henderson, we’re going to hear about how bad judges suck once again. I will admit that the fight was very close and I wouldn’t exactly declare it a robbery… but the last thing MMA fans need is another decision to debate over the internet. Trolls are going to have a heyday with this.
Now that Thomson has lost we don’t know who the #1 contender is at lightweight anymore. Maybe that is why Gilbert Melendez decided to skip out on the Khabib Nurmagomedov fight as it now seems like he is the most logical candidate to be named #1. Maybe TJ Grant will regain the position if he can come back from his concussion soon enough. Or is one victory enough following two losses for Nate Diaz to jump back in line. Personally, I hope not. Henderson has lost twice to Pettis and no one sees him gaining that position anytime soon. This could (and likely will) take some time to sort out.
Check out the rest of the post here.
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