Close fight to watch. The thing is if Melendez would've just kept up his pace from the first 1 1/2 rounds he probably would have won but he got passive. Even with him being passive, it was close. I guess after the eye test the next thing you look at are the stats which Henderson wins.
It's almost comical at this point. Most MMA fights that end in a decision, I feel anyways, have a clear consensus winner. Plenty of toss ups happen sure but for the most part, it's not hard to guess who is going to win the on the judges cards most of the time. But not in LW title fights. This makes 6 out of the last 8 title fights at LW where controversy stuck it's head in. LW is just way too competitive.
It wasn't the worst decision ever or anything and with the judging today I wasn't confident in any outcome. However I thought Gil did enough to win atleast 3 rounds. Chael and Stann scored rounds 1-3 for Gil.
It was a razor close fight that really could have gone either way. I won't dwell on or complain about the decision because frankly, these two will meet again. I expect that Gilbert will only have to win one more fight to get another shot. Who he'll face is another story... maybe UFC will keep his rivalry with Thomson alive.
If RDA beats Dunham next month then maybe they can give him Gil? He would be on a very nice run if he is able to do that.
I'd be fine with Thompson as well. Either fight I think the winner would deserve a title shot.
Too bad Chandler is in Bellator. He might be the real #1 in the World. Yeah I said it.
It was a great fight for sure; super close! Bendo outstruck Gil pretty significantly (92 vs. 56). Considering there were no significant knock downs except for Bendo knocking Gil off his feet with 2 different leg kicks, I can't see how an argument can be made for Gil beating Bendo.
That said, it was a great, ultra-close fight between 2 champions. I gave Bendo the slight advantage 48-47.
Re watched the fight several time's now and Bendo won 3rd..2nd and 4th 5 th could've went either way, I felt like Bendo's leg kicks did most of the effective damage and that he landed the more significant strikes.
It wasn't like Gil was completely working Bendo outside of the first. Hell he was basically just punching air in the fifth. Bendo made this fight close by fighting too conservatively in my opinion. He was winning almost every exchange where he decided to stay in the pocket and throw combinations but he didn't want to risk it very often.
Frankie/Bendo II was a robbery this was just a close fight.
I thought Bendo won but I was vastly more impressed with Melendez, guy came to fight and put on the arguably best performance of his career. I am not lining up to see a rematch for that very reason though. While Gil was at his absolute best I am not sure that it was one of the better performances from Bendo and I was honestly surprised the fight was so close but would not expect to see it a second time.
Why aren't you interested or expecting a rematch? I think Melendez beats everyone at LW besides maybe Josh Thomson or Maynard...but I'd pick him to win if those fights were ever made.
It wasn't fight of the year, but it was a good fight. And I certainly foresee them meeting again.
I had 2 and 3 a toss up. Benson had 4 and Gil had 1 and 5. The statistics surprised me (w/Benson hitting a lot more) but i didn't think it really reflected the fight at all. I didn't watch the fight live but if I had, I would have been surprised at Benson getting the win. I suppose I can see why he did, but thought Gil was the winner tbh.
I have watched this fight 4 times now, and my opinion stays the same. I still think Gil won 1,3,5. Round 2 was even for me and Bendo took the 4th. Though Rd 5 was close so I can see why he may have took the round. I'd like a rematch, but lets have Gil crush the other guys in the division and let him come back stronger
Kind of surprised that people are giving Bendo the fifth round. I thought Gilbert definitely landed the cleaner shots that round.
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