Although the final result of the fight between Benson Henderson and Frankie Edgar did not please everyone, this controversy will help UFC in the long run.
The two lightweight competitors faced each other in UFC 150 in a highly anticipated rematch. In the first installment, Henderson won by decision in a very close match. This time was no different, as it took a split decision for the champ to retain his title.
Both times, however, controversy followed the decision. Yahoo writer Kevin Iole said his card gave Edgar the win in the most recent match by a score of 49-46. The fans at the Pepsi Center also were not happy with the judges’ call.
Regardless of who you believe won, it was definitely an incredibly close match. FightMetrics lists Edgar as having the advantage of strikes landed by a margin of 70-65, with significant strikes only separated by four. However, the same site gives Henderson a one-point edge in its Total Performance Rating.
While fans love to see knockouts and submissions, this type of finish is more likely to get people talking. As a growing league, UFC will not become mainstream until people continue to talk about matches long after they finish.
In an interview with Mashable’s Greg Ferenstein, UFC CEO Dana White discussed the importance of social networking in this sport.
Some fights are going to be the best fights you’ve ever seen, and some are going to suck. And I think you’re better off to go out and talk about why the fight sucked and you know, be honest about it. You’re not going to fool anybody.
It is the same theory as the old saying, “bad press is better than no press.” If fans are arguing who won a title fight from a pay-per-view, the people who missed it will feel out of the loop. They will then make sure they do not miss the next big match.
College football is one of the most popular sports in America despite the fact there is almost always controversy over the national champion at the end of the season. The truth is that sports fans enjoy arguing. Any time they can debate a ruling of some sport, it only increases popularity.
According to Yahoo, ratings for the recent FOX 4 UFC event were up from the previous FOX 3, despite going against the Olympics. This is a good sign as the league tries to continue to gain a bigger profile in America.
Fans might be upset at the controversial result from the matchup between Henderson and Edgar, but there are more marquee events that they can turn to and hope for a different finish.
As long as people watch, it does not really matter who wins.
Read more MMA news on BleacherReport.com