I just watched the fight again. And I believe BJ did enough to earn a immediate rematch. I scored the fight 3 rounds to 2 for Frankie, but because it was so close and the fight was outside half way around the world in unbearable humidity and heat, I think they should both fight again in Air Conditioning in the states lol, perhaps in NJ.
Round 1 was close, BJ controlled the center of the ring and countered with his Jab, Frankie was still warming up, but he did connect and cut bj near the end of the round. Perhaps the judges saw this and decided Frankie's strikes caused more damage and gave Edgar the round? I gave the round to BJ, he was cut but he controlled the round.
Round 2 was close, I believe BJ landed more shots in this round, and although frankie was mixing it up, I think BJ won the standup war in this round, however if you remember frankie scored a QUICK TAKE DOWN near the END of ROUND 2. Perhaps the judges saw this and scored it for Edgar, the take down was so quick and nothing happened though I would of given it to BJ,
Round 3 I believe we saw Frankie go into 6th gear, and BJ seemed to be stuck in 4th for the rest of the night. Perhaps it was the heat or the knee or his cardio, but he just couldn't keep up with the Pace and movement. Although BJ landed his strikes I believe Frankie Landed a few more and mixed it up more. At the end of the round BJ had WAY MORE noticeable swelling under his eyes and a small cut, while Frankie had some swelling and welts on his right side, his face looked much cleaner. I scored it for Frankie.
Round 4 BJ controlled the first minute or two of the round landing a lot of jabs and other strikes, but Frankie continued to move at the same pace while BJ started to tire. Frankie started to Outwork BJ, throwing head kicks and every other strike possible mixing it up well. Frankie would shoot for a takedown in this round, and instead of BJ countering with strikes like he did in round 1, instead he only stuffed it and Frankie would land 2 strikes on the way out. BJ continued to land hard strikes but Frankie countered by pushing him against the cage and continue to outwork BJ. BJ looked visible exhausted as he went back to corner and his facial expressions weren't so good. Round to Frankie.
Round 5 both came out and had success early, but again Frankie just put it into 6th gear and scored a takedown, this time however BJ didn't spring back to his feet right away, Frankie was able to posture up and land a right from the top. BJ gets up, and it was more of the same. Both having some success with strikes, but Frankie outworking BJ. BJ started to have some success near the end but frankie came back strong and ended the fight with a flury followed by a standing body lock and then moved to taking BJ's back as the bell sounded. Round Frankie.
I scored it 3 rounds to 2 for frankie, but I can see how a judge might see a Cut In round 1 on BJ, and then Frankie taking BJ down in the second, and scored those two for him.
Also you could argue BJ won the first 3 rounds, as they were close and he controlled the center of the octagon. But I like to think of the winner as the guy who finishes the fight and who would win if the fight kept going, and this was clearly Frankie.
The entire fight was competitive, Frankie simply out worked and stole the fight from BJ.
The fight was close but I believe Frankie did more than enough to take the belt from the champion with 2 take downs and BJ's face clearly busted up, as well as clearly outworking BJ.
I think a second fight will probably be even closer, back in Air Conditioning with BJ hopefully healthy and 100% trained for a Cardio type of fight. What is really scary is both of these guys will probably come back as better fighters than they were tonight. Lightweight just has so much freaking talent, skill wise they are light years ahead of higher weight classes, which is why BJ used to be able to fight at Heavyweight and WW lol.
