UFC
UFC could look at Johnny Bedford-Rani Yahya rematch after headbutt-induced "no contest"
Apr 12, 2014 - 12:00:21 PM UFC could look at Johnny Bedford-Rani Yahya rematch after headbutt-induced "no contest"

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By: Jamie Penick, MMATorch Editor-in-Chief

Friday's UFC Fight Night 39 event got off to a very contentious start after the Johnny Bedford vs. Rani Yahya bout ended in a no contest.

Yahya got knocked unconscious by an accidental headbutt as the two smashed into each other, but with Bedford delivering a few extra blows, he felt the fight was his. Unfortunately for him, the referee correctly recognized the headbutt's significance to the finish, and ruled the bout a no contest after just 39 seconds.

The fight might get an immediate rematch following their showdown post-fight, as Bedford got animated and upset about the win not coming his way. A second fight almost broke out as Yahya tried to say there wasn't anything he could do about a headbutt bringing an end to the fight, and with a little extra heat between them, at least one in the UFC thinks they could put them right back together.

"We don't see that very often, but I think the decision was the right decision," UFC Executive Vice President Garry Cook commented after the event (via MMAJunkie.com). "I think [UFC matchmaker] Joe Silva jumped in there at the end to calm everybody down."

"As you know, the emotions are running pretty high; everybody just had to move on. It kind of got off to a bit of a weird start, but I think they'll probably want to rematch those guys."

Penick's Analysis: A rematch is probably the right route to go. Bedford may have won that fight regardless given the power he does possess, but the referee got the call right on Friday. The replay showed clearly that Yahya went down from a headbutt, so no matter what Bedford wants to argue, it was an illegal blow that put Yahya out. It's really as simple as that. A rematch lets them get a decisive finish to that, but Bedford may be ready to return sooner than Yahya because of Yahya getting knocked unconscious.

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