UFC
UFC on Fox 3 Results: Johny Hendricks defeats Josh Koscheck by split decision in good, close fight
May 5, 2012 - 9:45:05 PM UFC on Fox 3 Results: Johny Hendricks defeats Josh Koscheck by split decision in good, close fight

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By: Jamie Penick, MMATorch Editor-in-Chief

Prior to UFC on Fox 3, plenty was made of the similarities between welterweights Josh Koscheck and Johny Hendricks. On Saturday night at the event, those similarities were readily apparent as the two fought to a very close split decision, with Hendricks having his hand raised by the end of the contest.

Hendricks was the busier fighter throughout the bout, landing punches in succession, countering Koscheck's attacks, and battering his face up with some really good combinations. He was hurt with an eye poke in the first round that led to some early success for Koscheck, but he managed to fight through and do more damage to Koscheck throughout the frame.

That gameplan continued to be successful in the second round, as he continued out-striking Koscheck without taking much damage himself. However, Koscheck's chin was solid throughout the 15 minute fight, and he took some of Hendricks' best shots and continued moving.

Hendricks continued having success for the first half of the third round, but then Koscheck scored a takedown with two minutes left and rode out the rest of the round doing damage from top position. For one judge, Koscheck did enough to take two rounds, but the other two judges didn't agree, giving Hendricks his fourth straight win.

With the victory over Koscheck following his 12 second knockout of Jon Fitch, Hendricks becomes only the second person behind UFC Welterweight Champion Georges St-Pierre to hold victories over both men.

Penick's Analysis: This was another really good fight on the Fox card, and ultimately Hendricks getting the nod was the right call. He did more damage throughout and landed more strikes throughout. Koscheck's offense in the first round was all set up with an illegal eye poke that the referee missed, and he still got outstruck in that frame. He put forth a good effort, but despite the late takedown, that was Hendricks' fight.