139 Rumination – “AHHHHH!!”

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UFC 139 had two epic bouts that had me on my feet screaming, “Ahhhhh!!”

I’d only ever seen Cung Le on YouTube, and honestly felt he’d wilt with competition like Wanderlei Silva. Le’s stoic approach and set attacks seemed better suited for a lesser organization, or for UFC 15. But Le put on an incredibly entertaining fight, and demonstrated his fighting style is more than legit, especially considering the man is 38 and that this was only his 9th bout. His eventual KO loss wasn’t a surprise, but his toughness and tenacity, forcing W Silva to bring it all, was a head-shaker. Whether he is a contender or top ten fighter is not concerning to me: just get him in there with good competition so we can watch him at his art.

The Axe Murderer redeemed himself somewhat, but didn't stifle calls for him to retire after several punishing KO losses and an ultra-punishing career given the brawling style he practiced for so long. After all, Le isn't upper echelon, and Silva has absolutely nothing to prove. One thing is certain: the euphoria athletes and rock stars get from stepping on stage is damn hard to give up. Silva may be around a bit longer, but I'm with the camp that would like to see him hang up the gloves and focus on training others, and family.

The Henderson v. Rua bout was one of the best fights ever, especially considering their stature and PRIDE history. While anvil-headed Henderson won rounds 1-3, there was no 10-8 round for the American since he did not overwhelm Rua, even in round 3 when he dropped the Brazilian. Rua came back in that round to actually out-strike Hendo.

Rua won rounds 4 and 5, when Hendo gassed after efforts to finish the fight. Round 5 was most definitely a 10-8 round, when you consider he mounted Hendo 5 times and, according to my calculations, was the only one to land significant strikes through the last 5 minutes. Question: what constitutes a 10-8 round to judges?

If, as many think, Rua beat Machida in his decision loss in their first fight, Rua drew this one with Hendo, especially when considering Hendo was done like dinner halfway through the final frame. If this had been a fight in a back alley, Rua would be in ICU but Hendo would be dead. Fans survived what they thought was an injustice when Machida’s hand was raised over Shogun’s in that first fight, and will survive this. Rua will get his rematch. How could he not? And Henderson is not realistically set for a title shot---he can't face Anderson Silva or Bones yet, mainly due to Silva’s injury and the lineup for Bones.He wouldn't win either of those bouts anyway. Stylistically, he is at a great disadvantage.

The rematch between Hendo and Shogun may not be as long, but it certainly will be as exciting. You know it, I know it, and Dana knows it.

To get Renko’s hard-boiled MMA thriller, Char Broiled, go to Xystermma.com

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By Renko Styranka
ProFighting-fans.com MMA Staff Writer