Roundtables
ROUNDTABLE: Should UFC 139's Dan Henderson vs. Mauricio "Shogun" Rua be 2011's "Fight of the Year?"
Nov 23, 2011 - 7:30:56 PM ROUNDTABLE: Should UFC 139's Dan Henderson vs. Mauricio "Shogun" Rua be 2011's "Fight of the Year?"

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Is there another fight other than Dan Henderson vs. Mauricio "Shogun" Rua leading the "Fight of the Year" race for 2011? Why or why not?

RICH HANSEN, MMATORCH COLUMNIST

Look, if the question were asking me if Henderson vs. Shogun had a legitimate competitor for "Fight of the Decade" then yeah, maybe.  But as gripping as Edgar vs. Maynard 2 was, it doesn't hold a candle to Henderson vs. Shogun.  I could go through my copy of this book trying to fill 500 words with superlatives and trite cliches about the UFC 139 main event, but what's the point.  You saw it, you know how good it was.  And if you don't know, then there's nothing I can do for you.


FRANK HYDEN, MMATORCH CONTRIBUTOR

It's kind of hard to argue with an entertaining slugfest that tips in both directions. There were moments where it looked like either man could have won. They gave their all and it showed. However, I think I might give a slight nod to Frankie Edgar vs. Gray Maynard 2 or 3 as being better fights, largely because they were title fights. Also, they sustained the action longer and it became a true battle of wills.


ANWAR PEREZ, MMATORCH COLUMNIST

I do think that Shogun Rua and Dan Henderson had the fight of the year, BUT, I also wouldn't object if someone included either of the Frankie Edgar and Gray Maynard fights.  Those fights were tremendous, and went back and forth, with no clear pick as who would pick up the win.  I like the choice of Shogun and Henderson due to the decisiveness of the first few rounds, and Shogun coming back, which is stunning for a fighter that is often criticized of his lack of a gas tank.  It was also the first fight that was non-title and in the main event that went five rounds. Those factors plus the great back and forth from both fighters make it my pick for fight of the year.  


ALEX WILLIAMS, MMATORCH CONTRIBUTOR

Yes. As good as Dan Henderson vs "Shogun" Rua was, the best fight on Saturday night (and, so far, of the year) was Mike Chandler vs. Eddie Alvarez.  However, given the difference in the number of eyeballs that watched the fights and the post-event media coverage, I fully expect Henderson-Rua to get the nod at year's end.


MATT PELKEY, MMATORCH COLUMNIST

I was holding steadfastly to my admiration for Jose Aldo-Mark Hominick from UFC 129 in April, but Hendo-Rua was on another level. No, it wasn't for a title, but it was a main event (unlike Aldo-Hominick), it was the first non-title main event to make it into the championship rounds, and it was an absolute slugfest between two legends (or whatever you'd call 'em. I'm still not sure if MMA has been around long enough to have "legends") of the sport. I've never seen two guys hurt so many times without a finish. The pace of the action expectedly slowed as the rounds wore on, but the drama never did. Amazing display by both men, but especially by Henderson, who is the best he's ever been at the tender young age of 41. 


JAMIE PENICK, MMATORCH EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

There have been some fantastic fights in 2011. Frankie Edgar vs. Gray Maynard 2 and 3 were up there as front-runners for Fight of the Year for some time, with Jose Aldo vs. Mark Hominick following closely behind, and then last Saturday night brought about two new challengers for that distinction with this fight and Bellator's Michael Chandler vs. Eddie Alvarez. That Bellator fight was very good, and very exciting, but for me it wasn't up to what Henderson and Shogun gave fans the same night. The drama of that main event was only rivaled by Edgar's comebacks this year, and I think the fact that Henderson's assault was sustained longer on Shogun than Maynard's on Edgar gave Saturday's fight the edge. It's certainly not a fight that will be forgotten anytime soon.

[Dan Henderson art by Grant Gould (c) MMATorch.com]