When a big upset occurs in the UFC’s Octagon, there is always the argument about whether a flash knockout or a close decision victory should be viewed as more meaningful. Quick knockouts are certainly better at creating stars, and they offer UFC producers highlight reel footage for hyping the rise of a breakout star. But hard-fought decisions, while not as glamorous, indicate three or five rounds of competence–they offer a far better sense of showing how the underdog can overcome the full gamut of the favorite’s offensive strategy and skillset.
Frankie Edgar scored one of those close decision victories when he upset BJ Penn for the UFC Lightweight Championship earlier this year. The result was a situation in which Edgar has yet to truly be “embraced” by mixed martial arts fans and media as the true top lightweight in the world. To earn that credibility, it was going to take a second victory over BJ Penn in their immediate rematch at UFC 118.
The main event was overshadowed in the pre-show promotion by the Randy Couture vs. James Toney match, but for mixed martial arts fans, this was going to be a significant battle. Would Frankie Edgar prove that he really is one of the best at 155? Or, would BJ Penn confirm what many claimed–the outcome of their last bout was a fluke?
The result follows:
Frankie Edgar b. BJ Penn via unanimous decision (50-45, 50-45, 50-45)
Story of the fight: Not since the second Georges St. Pierre fight has BJ Penn looked so ineffective. Penn was certainly more competitive against Edgar than he was GSP, but at the end of the day, he had no real answer for Edgar. Unlike so many of the opponents Penn has dominated, Edgar was too smooth, too quick, too strong and too calm. There was never a moment in which Penn could frustrate Edgar, and the result was a one-sided victory for Frankie Edgar.
From the get-go, Edgar was able to score with his takedowns without subjecting himself to much trouble on the feet. Even though Penn landed the occasional punch, he never seemed to get into a rhythm, and Edgar was able to win all five rounds. The combination of speed and intelligence, both on the feet and when shooting for takedowns, seemed to rattle Penn, and he simply could not find a way to stop Edgar’s control.
Penn successfully shot for takedowns in the fourth and fifth rounds, but they were ultimately futile, as he could not control Edgar from that position. Edgar was easily able to escape, if not reverse.
Edgar now appears slated for a rematch with Gray Maynard, the only fighter to possess a victory over the UFC Lightweight Champion.
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