This time without controversy, but with a lot of authority, Ben henderson scored another victory in Ultimate. The former lightweight champion, who in his last five victories, four were contested decisions, fought a great fight against Russian Rustam Khabilov. But a good combination of punches, followed by a quick rear naked choke gave 'Bendo' the victory. The fight was the main attraction of UFC Fight Night 42, an event held on Saturday night (07), in New Mexico, United States.
The fight
The fight between Ben henderson and Rustam Khabilov was balanced and full of alternations from the beginning. The Russian started better, working with movement and applying accurate takedowns. But in the second round, Henderson recovered. The former champion used his reach to score points and spent most of the time in control of the ground fight.
In the third round, the balance came to the fore again, with a slight advantage for Bendo. Despite his rival's superiority, Khabilov did not give up his game and was always in danger with his counterattacks and insistent takedown attempts.
With the duel balanced and full of alternations, a new decision from the judges became increasingly closer. As Bendo had been heavily criticized for triumphs in this way against Frankie Edgar (twice), Gilbert Melendez and Josh thomson, he tried to end the fight before the final round.
After combining an uppercut with a right, which led Khabilov to bend his knee, Ben henderson He quickly went to the back, secured the rear naked choke and forced the Russian to give up the fight.
Still in the octagon, Ben henderson he did not hide his desire to compete again for the category title. “The belt is not being defended. Whoever wants to fight for the belt, come and see me”, – said the fighter, provoking Pettis, current holder of the title.
Dos Anjos wins again
As much as Ben henderson, the Brazilian Rafael dos Anjos The race is back for the chance to fight for the lightweight belt. After being defeated by the Russian Khabib Nurmagomedov, in April, and losing a series of five victories, the black belt from Rio put up a good fight against Jason High. But after a balanced first round, he achieved a technical knockout at the end of the second half.
Rafael entered the Octagon as a clear favorite in the fight, but High got off to a hot start. The North American found the distance first, connected a few punches, closed the distance and got the takedown. On the ground, Jason didn't work with many strikes, but he maintained control. After the Brazilian managed to free himself from his rival to get up, he ended up caught with a knee to the face. Despite the scare, dos Anjos was not intimidated and finished the partial better, over Jason in the ground fight.
In the second round, Rafael, showing better physical preparation, prevailed. Despite being taken down again, he quickly got up and continued to improve his striking. The Brazilian landed a two-punch combination on High, which was the knockdown. On the ground, the Brazilian holds one of the North American's arms and hits his head until the referee ends the dispute.
After the triumph, Rafael did not hide his happiness at his recovery, but he is still not thinking about a new opponent. “I have no idea who to face, I want to get the best. If the Cain Velazquez step here and want to fight me, I'll fight”, said the excited Brazilian still in the Octagon.
Check out the complete UFC Fight Night 42 results below:
Ben henderson submitted Rustam Khabilov with a rear naked choke in R4
Diego Sanchez defeated Ross Pearson via unanimous decision;
John Dodson defeated John Moraga via TKO in R2;
Rafael dos Anjos defeated Jason High via TKO in R2;
Piotr Hallmann submitted Yves Edward with an R3 rear naked choke;
Bryan caraway submitted Erik Perez with a rear naked choke in 2R
Sergio Pettis defeated Yaotzin Meza via unanimous decision;
Lance Benoist defeated Bobby Voelker via unanimous decision;
Scott Jorgensen defeated Danny Martinez via unanimous decision;
Jon Tuck defeated Jake Lindsey via TKO in R3;
Patrick Cummins defeated Roger Narvaez via TKO in R2;
Comments