Henderson (photo) beat Masvidal in Korea. Photo: Disclosure/UFC
South Korean fans had the opportunity to see an extremely technical and tight fight in the main attraction of UFC Fight Night 79, this Saturday (28). In the end, Benson Henderson got the better of Jorge masvidal to emerge with victory in the first event held in South Korea, in the country's capital, Seoul.
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Son of a Korean mother, Henderson had an advantage in scoring over details. Over the course of five rounds of competition, both athletes showed great technical and physical level. At the beginning of the fight, Henderson even knocked down Masvidal, counterattacking his opponent's kick with a well-aimed right cross.
Overall, the former UFC lightweight champion made good use of his speed, while Masvidal delivered kicks to Henderson's body, taking advantage of his opponent's southpaw stance. However, Henderson still showed sharp striking and knew how to use the clinch well.
In the final half of the fight, Henderson sought more ground fighting, although he was unable to keep Masvidal with his back on the ground. The two athletes ended the fight by “clutching” each other in a position of dominance on the ground, indicating that the judges' decision would be tight and unpredictable.
In the end, one judge gave Masvidal the victory, against two who named Henderson as the winner. Thus, “Smooth” wins his second fight at welterweight (he was coming off a victory over Brandon thatch, in February).
Kim runs over rival and challenges Demian
Kim celebrates victory in Seoul. Photo: Mitch Viquez/Zuffa LLC/
In the second most important fight of the night, local idol Dong Hyun Kim delighted the public. The South Korean veteran ran over Dominic Waters, threw his gloves to the crowd and challenged a former Brazilian executioner.
The fight itself was relatively simple. Kim closed the distance and applied a beautiful judo takedown, already landing on top of the North American. The South Korean adopted the crucifix position, that is, leaving his opponent unable to put his arms in front of his face to protect himself.
So, Kim insisted on the position and continued striking. As Waters was unable to react, the referee stopped the fight at 3:11, declaring a technical knockout.
After the fight, Kim asked for a rematch with Demian Maia, who overcame him in 2012 after the South Korean suffered an injury in the opening minute of the fight. The fighter also stated that, after beating the Brazilian, he wants to fight for the welterweight belt in his home country.
UFC FN 79 results:
MAIN CARD
Welterweight Weight: Ben henderson derrotou Jorge masvidal in the judges' split decision (47 to 48, 48 to 47 and 49 to 46);
Welterweight: Dong Hyun Kim defeated Dominic Waters by TKO at 3:11 of R1;
Welterweight Weight: Alberto Mina defeated Yoshihiro Akiyama via split decision (29 to 28, 28 to 29 and 29 to 28);
Featherweight: Doo Ho Choi knocked out Sam Sicilia by technical knockout (punches) at 1min33s of R1;
PRELIMINARY CARD
Middleweight: Dongi Yang defeated Jake collier by technical knockout (punches) at 1min52s of R2;
Featherweight: Mike de la Torre defeated Yui Chul Nam via split decision (29-28, 28-29 and 29-28);
Lightweight: Tae Hyun Bang defeated Leo Kuntz via split decision (29-28, 28-29, 29-28)
Strawweight: Seo Hee Ham defeated Cortney Casey via unanimous decision (triple 29 to 28)
Flyweight: Fredy Serrano defeated Yao Zhikui by technical knockout (elbow injury) at 44s of R1;
Bantamweight: Marco Beltran defeated Ning Guangyou via split decision (29-28, 28-29, 29-28);
Welterweight: Dominique Steele knocked out Dong Hyun Kim (takedown and elbows) at 27 seconds of R3
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