http://http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=P8YQ8Z4Yo4I
Date: December 8, 2012
Location: Seattle, Washington
Venue: KeyArena
Broadcast: FOX, FX, Facebook
MAIN (FOX, 8 p.m. ET)
- Benson Henderson vs. Nate Diaz – for lightweight title
Analysis: Benson Henderson utilized a complete array of weaponry on the way to a clear unanimous decision. Living up to his moniker ‘Smooth” immediately attacked the legs of Nate Diaz, at times even landing lead left hand jabs to the legs. Diaz never was able to gain any clear offense, with the exception of a few submission attempts that were never really close. Henderson landed over 130 significant strikes to only 20 for Diaz.
Winner: Benson Henderson via Unanimous Decision (50-43, 50-45, 50-45)
- Alexander Gustafsson vs. Mauricio “Shogun” Rua
Analysis: Alexander Gustafsson came into the fight with a possible title shot looming, but with the immediate task of standing toe to toe with Mixed Martial Arts legend Maurico ‘Shogun’ Rua. ‘Shogun’ has made a living landing his dynamite packed right hand. And tonight was no different, it landed often. Only this time the man on the receiving end continued to walk through them. Utilizing his clear reach and size advantage ‘The Mauler’ systematically took apart a mix martial arts legend with an arsenal of strikes rivaled only by Jon Jones. Landing at will with several powerful range-effective strikes, Gustafsson absorbed everything Rua could throw at him, and seems to be on his way to a title shot!
Winner: Gustafsson Unanimous Decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-26)
- Rory MacDonald vs. B.J. Penn
Analysis: Rory MacDonald took steps to solidify his place in the welterweight division, in doing so he also vanquished a legend at least in the 170 lbs division. B.J. Penn promised a new improved aggressive B.J. Penn, and for about 1 minute it seemed he was making good on his promise. But then a liver-rattling kick, and a few elbows from MacDonald clearly erased that aggressiveness. MacDonald shadowed the smaller Penn cutting off half of the cage. Landing at will, MacDonald nearly finished Penn with a barrage of strikes that had Penn failing a field sobriety test. Penn was able to get his feet back but was unable to finish the fight.
Winner: Decision MacDonald Unanimous Decision (30-26, 30-26, 30-27)
- Matt Brown vs. Mike Swick
Analysis: Matt’The Immortal’ Brown started the main card off exactly where the preliminary card ended. With a devastating knockout. Brown was able to utilize his superior wrestling to keep former contender Mike Swick off balance for the entire first-round. The veteran Swick was able to escape a very tight submission attempt only to eat a few shots at the bell. As the second round began, Swick seemed more comfortable controlling the distance with his boxing. Ducking under a pawing right hand, Brown delivered a wild I.Q changing left hand that immediately put the lights out. Two more punches as Swick fell were the exclamation point as the referee stepped in.
Winner: Matt Brown rd 2 TKO
THE CLINCH REPORT 