Benson Henderson retains title, wins split decision over Melendez
Another lightweight title fight, another razor-close decision. Despite a spirited early effort from former Strikeforce champion Gilbert Melendez, Benson Henderson…
Another lightweight title fight, another razor-close decision.
Despite a spirited early effort from former Strikeforce champion Gilbert Melendez, Benson Henderson retained his belt by a split-call.
The lightweight title bout, which unofficially capped off a night of matchups between the shuttered Strikeforce and the UFC, was the main event of today’s UFC on FOX 7 event at HP Pavilion in San Jose, Calif. It aired on FOX following prelims on FX and Facebook.
Two judges scored the contest 48-47 for Henderson while one dissented for Melendez by the same score. The decision was roundly booed by the crowd, which repeatedly chanted for Bay Area resident Melendez before and during the fight.
Gilbert “El Nino” Melendez Vs. Ben “Smooth” Henderson
Fight was scheduled for 5 rounds (5x5x5x5x5) – Fight was for the Lightweight Title
-Benson Henderson defeated Gilbert Melendez by Split Decision (47-48, 48-47, 48-47)