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By: Jamie Penick, MMATorch Editor-in-Chief
Frankie Edgar came in to UFC 112 as a major under dog in everyone's eyes. Betting lines had Penn as a -1000 favorite in some places, and as the most dominant Lightweight Champion in UFC history Penn was expected to do nothing but win this fight.
He didn't.
Edgar earned a unanimous decision victory with scores of 50-45, 48-47 and 49-46 in Abu Dhabi on Saturday to become the new UFC Lightweight Champion in a performance and decision that shocked everyone.
The fight consisted of Edgar circling no the outside, constantly moving throughout the bout and picking spots to attempt attacks. Penn held ground in the center of the cage and landed counters and combinations when Edgar engaged. His offense was not enough for the judges in this fight.
The decision will be highly debated for some time, as though Edgar appeared to be more active Penn was landing significant strikes throughout all of the rounds. But regardless of the argument, Edgar earned the decision and was crowned the new UFC Lightweight Champion, becoming only the second fighter to defeat Penn at 155 lbs.
Penick's Analysis: I didn't agree with this decision at all. I'm not even that much of a Penn fan but I find it hard to see how Edgar won three of those rounds. Penn took the first two clearly for me, while the final three were definitely close, but I couldn't give them all to Edgar. Penn may not have been as active, but when Edgar engaged Penn was landing punches and combinations throughout. Unfortunately for Penn it wasn't a clear cut dominating fight for him in any facet, and leaving it open to the interpretation of the judges cost him his belt. He should get a rematch his next time out, but I don't know if they'll set that up next or if Edgar will defend against someone else. It may open the door for Kenny Florian to get another shot at the Lightweight Title.
RELATED STORY: Penick's detailed UFC 112 event report with star ratings and analysis: [CLICK TO READ FULL REPORT]
[B.J. Penn art by Cory Gould (c) MMATorch.com]
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Jamie Penick, editor-in-chief
(mmatorcheditor@gmail.com)
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