UFC 139: Instant Classic

UFC 139 was not only one of the greatest UFC events of all time, but arguably the greatest MMA event to ever take place. Not only were their six former champions fighting each other, but every fighter on the card brought their A-game and delivered a fun, bloody and amazing night for all MMA fans.

The main event was a fight six years in the making and pitted two MMA legends against each other as Dan Henderson defeated Mauricio “Shogun” Rua via Unanimous Decision (48-47, 48-47, 48-47) in possibly the fight of the century and the most epic fight in UFC history.

The back and forth battle had all the elements needed for an instant classic and showcased everything which makes MMA spectacular. Both men overcame adversity, were almost finished and had to dig to the bottom of the barrel multiple times just to make it to the final bell.

Both men were exhausted and blooded, giving and surviving numerous barrages from each other and both looked like they were close to being stopped at any given moment. In the end however, it was Dan Henderson's heart and will which gave him the nod from the judges.

Henderson whose right hand is the most effective one punch knockout weapon in the entire sport caught Shogun clean early in the fight, but it was not enough to put away the former UFC Light Heavyweight Champion causing Henderson to say at his post fight interview, “That guy can take an F'n punch.”

Henderson's right hand has knocked out many men over his career, but Shogun was able to survive despite being battered, bruised and bloodied for the first three rounds of the contest. Shogun was even able to turn the tides in the forth and fifth round, not only knocking Henderson down but even securing mounted position for much of the fifth round on a clearly exhausted Henderson.

Henderson had nothing left in the fifth round and his gas tank was empty but his heart and will enabled him to block punches and dodge submission attempts from an also visibly tired Shogun.

There really are no words to describe how truly awesome this fight was. For 25 minutes, two warriors stood exhausted, beaten up and on the verge of defeat in the center of the Octagon to deliver an unbelievable show and the most entertaining fight in UFC history.

Simply put, Dan Henderson vs. Shogun Rua was a war! The win should put Henderson next in line for a Light Heavyweight or even Middleweight Title fight for the 41 year olds next Octagon appearance, cause after tonight, there is no doubt he deserves the opportunity as he continues the greatest run of his MMA career.

In the co-main event, vintage Wanderlei Silva returned to action, as “The Axe Murderer” got back to his winning ways knocking out Cung Le in the 2nd round of their Middleweight contest.

Wanderlei Silva has the best killer instinct in MMA and as soon as he got Le in trouble, Silva swarmed with vicious knees from the Muay Thai clinch and strikes to spoil Le's debut fight in the UFC.

Although Le scored early with kicks you would normally only see in movies, it was not enough as Silva closed the distance and was able to catch Le with his trademark wild punches, hurting Le and causing Silva to pounce until the fight was stopped.

With the victory, Silva lives to fight another day in the UFC and although the end of the road may be in the horizon for the most beloved fighter in the sport, Silva did what he needed to do tonight and will continue to put on a show for fans all over the world once again.

Also on the card, Urijah Faber defeated Brian Bowles in their Bantamweight contest, earning Faber another shot at Dominick Cruz and the UFC Bantamweight Championship.

Faber dominated and outclassed Bowles in all aspects of the fight and it was a big uppercut in the second round which was the beginning of the end for Bowles.

After that punch, Faber was able to follow up with more big shots before grabbing Bowles' neck and rolling to full mount forcing Bowles to tap out to a guillotine choke.

With the victory, Faber will receive another title shot, completing the trilogy between himself and Cruz for the UFC Bantamweight Championship.

All in all, UFC 139 was a fantastic show in all areas as every contest on the card was fantastic, especially the instant classic fight between Henderson and Shogun which will go down as one of the greatest fights to ever take place in MMA.

Six former champions, two legends and one hell of a night for all mixed martial arts fans.

Fight of the Night: Dan Henderson vs. Mauricio Rua AND Wanderlei Silva vs. Cung Le
Knockout of the Night: Michael McDonald
Submission of the Night: Urijah Faber

Results:
Dan Henderson defeated Mauricio “Shogun” Rua via Unanimous Decision (48-47, 48-47, 48-47)
Wanderlei Silva defeated Cung Le via TKO (Strikes) at 4:49 of the 2nd Round
Urijah Faber defeated Brian Bowles via Submission (Guillotine Choke) at 1:27 of the 2nd Round
Martin Kampmann defeated Rick Story via Unanimous Decision (30-27, 30-27, 29-28)
Stephan Bonnar defeated Kyle Kingsbury via Unanimous Decision (30-27, 30-25, 30-27)
Ryan Bader defeated Jason Brillz via KO at 1:17 of Round 1
Michael McDonald defeated Alex Soto via KO at .56 of Round 1
Chris Weidman defeated Tom Lawler via Submission (D'Arce Choke) at 2:07 of the 1st Round
Gleison Tiabu defeated Rafael dos Anjos via Split Decision (29-28, 28-29, 30-27)
Miguel Torres defeated Nick Pace via Unanimous Decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)
Seth Baczynski defeated Matt Brown via Submission (Guillotine Choke) at .42 of the 2nd Round
Danny Castillo defeated Shamar Bailey via TKO (punches) at 4:52 of the 1st Round

x Adam "S" Paccione x