Tag: benson henderson

When UFC decides to make a trilogy out of a feud, usually it requires that both fighters have each won one match and at least one of them had a close result. 

In the case of Benson Henderson and Frankie Edgar, the fights have been so close that even despite Henderson’s two wins, this feud needs to become a trilogy. 

Henderson has defeated Edgar twice this year. The first time was at UFC 144, with Henderson ultimately prevailing in a competitive bout. The judges sided with Henderson, and he was awarded a unanimous decision victory and the UFC lightweight championship. 

At UFC 150, things were much closer between the two. In fact, watching the fight, it did appear that Edgar did more to warrant a decision victory. Henderson did win the first round—that much was obvious. 

After that, it was anyone’s guess. It never felt like one fighter had a decided advantage over the other, so if you want to make a case for Henderson winning, there is certainly not much of an argument to be made against that. 

But when the scores were announced—with Henderson winning a split decision—Edgar exploded with rage because he felt that he did enough to win. Again, it was so close that no one could argue that what the judges said was wrong. 

Yet when you have two fighters who are so evenly matched, and they have two fights that end up being victories for one person by the slimmest of margins, the temptation is always there to settle any debate once and for all. 

Fans love trilogies, even if they aren’t between the biggest-name fighters in the sport. There is an easy story to tell in order to market a third fight to the fans. And, most importantly, there is a legitimate reason to do a third fight. 

Edgar is at a point right now where he will probably have to win a fight before he gets a title fight, but when he does, Dana White can’t shy away from making the right match for the sport and the fighters just because it has happened twice before. 

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It would be unfair to talk of Frankie Edgar leaving the division, especially considering the bitterly close loss to Ben Henderson in their rematch at UFC 150 last Saturday. But the New Jersey native has been hearing such talk for years, and having failed to recapture his belt, the talk will only grow louder.

Edgar is hopelessly outsized by all the top lightweights, and it’s remarkable that he was able to capture the title at all, considering his size.

But capture the title he did, and to say that he couldn’t do it again is premature.

Still, it’s a long way back to contention considering how stacked the division is, and that fact alone should mean that Edgar has to reconsider his career at that weight class.

Henderson’s next match is set to be Nick Diaz, after which he has any number of men, from Anthony Pettis to Donald Cerrone, to contend with.

Edgar would have to rise to the top of this pack if he wants another shot at the belt. However, if he chooses to drop 10 pounds and fight at 145, an instant title match is awaiting him against Jose Aldo.

That fact alone could decide the future of his career. The potential to reign over the featherweights rather than continue to struggle against the 155-pounders, must be extremely tempting.

Even though Edgar refuses to accept that he’s outmatched at lightweight, he has also admitted that dropping to 145 is a possibility. Now, having lost against Henderson for the second time, that possibility could be becoming more real.

That wouldn’t have to mean that he’s done at 155. He could return as a rejuvenated fighter after spending some time below, and try and take one more shot at the lightweight title. At age 30, his career is far from over, and he has the time and talent to make that happen.

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It was a different decision but the same result for Frankie Edgar at UFC 150.

The former UFC lightweight champ came up short once again in his showdown with Benson Henderson in another five-round decision. Things were much closer this time out, with one of three judges scoring the bout 49-46 in favor of Edgar.

Boos erupted throughout the arena as UFC ring announcer Bruce Buffer read the verdict. Edgar didn’t even need to speak after the fight. The look on his face told everything. He had given his all to recapture the world title, but it still wasn’t enough.

In the days to follow, some will attempt to discredit Henderson’s reign due to the controversial decision, but it’s tough to erase consecutive defeats.

Regardless of one controversial decision, Henderson has back-to-back wins over Edgar.

There won’t be any immediate rematch. Edgar will be forced to go back to the drawing board and mull over his UFC future.

Is a drop to featherweight a possibility, or will Edgar decide to remain in the lightweight hunt?

Here are five things we learned about Frankie Edgar.

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