UFC lightweight champ Ben Henderson

By FCF Staff

Most fans and pundits were expecting a very close fight, and at the end of the day, Benson Henderson and Gilbert Melendez produce a memorable and extremely competitive “champion vs. champion” bout.

Henderson managed to retain the UFC Lightweight Championship with a razor thin, split decision win over the former Strikeforce champ Melendez, as the judge’s scored it 48-47, 48-47, 47-48.

Melendez pursued Henderson throughout much of the bout, and landed several telling strikes, but the champion’s offensive output exceeded the challenger’s, particularly via leg kicks. After the fight concluded the San Jose crowd booed the decision relentlessly.

And in the card’s co-main-event, Daniel Cormier worked his way to a clear cut, unanimous decision win over Frank Mir. Although some may view Cormier’s effort as somewhat conservative, Mir was unable to counter the renowned wrestler’s clinch game and was outscored throughout the fight.

Here are the results from tonight’s UFC on FOX 7 card.

Benson Henderson def. Gilbert Melendez via split decision (48-47, 48-47, 47-48)

Daniel Cormier def. Frank Mir via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)

Josh Thomson def. Nate Diaz via TKO (strikes) – R2, 3:44

Matt Brown def. Jordan Mein via TKO (strikes) – R2, 1:00

Chad Mendes def. Darren Elkins via TKO (strikes) – R1, 1:08

Francis Carmont vs. Lorenz Larkin via unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)

Myles Jury def. Ramsey Nijem via KO (punch) – R1, 1:02

Joseph Benavidez def. Darren Uyenoyama via TKO (strikes) – R2, 4:50

Jorge Masvidal def. Tim Means via unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)

T.J. Dillashaw def. Hugo Viana via TKO (strikes) – R1, 4:22

Anthony Njokuani def. Roger Bowling via TKO (strikes) – R2, 2:52

Yoel Romero def. Clifford Starks via KO (flying knee, punches) – R1, 1:32