Moderator: lilfishi22
SabasRevenge! wrote:I actually prefer Edgar/Maynard III to Edgar Maynard II and think it should be considered for fight of the year.
The fight had a spectacular finish that hardly anyone expected, rather than a draw or even a decision. It featured a smaller fighter coming back from deja vu adversity and showing tremendous heart and technical boxing. It was also the conclusion of a trilogy of fights and IMO the most epic of all three.
Fight of the year: Dan Henderson versus Mauricio Rua. The year was thick with memorable action. Among the numerous and justifiable choices for best bout of 2011, fans went with Dan Henderson's epic showdown with Maurico Rua at UFC 139. This was a contest that spoke to the strengths of both fighters and brought out the best in each, the hallmark of a standout contest. From the opening bell, Henderson, 41, and Rua, 30, both former Pride champions, engaged in a no-nonsense affair that lasted 25 minutes. The American hurt and nearly finished Rua, capturing the first three rounds as a result, before Rua showed what he was made of by rallying in Rounds 4 and 5. I scored the fight a draw, giving the final round 10-8 to Rua, but judges saw it unanimous -- 48-47 three times -- for Henderson, who capped off one of the most impressive years of his tremendous career with the win. Other fights up for consideration may have offered a slightly better display of pure MMA, but none captured the emotion, determination and historic nature of Henderson-Rua.
Round of the year: Dan Henderson's first round with Mauricio Rua. It's fitting that the best fight of the year should contain the top round of the year. The opening salvo of a five-round war produced a high-drama showdown, one in which each man was hurt, recovered, hurt again and recovered. The manic five-minute period set the tone for the remaining four rounds, just at a higher pace. Henderson won the round, which some argued could have gone 10-8 in his favor, and kept the heat on Rua until he wore down later in the fight. The year also featured some incredible first-round finishes. Nick Diaz's finish of Paul Daley registered 16 percent among voters. Pat Barry and Cheick Kongo put together the most topsy-turvy period, which fans appreciated to the tune of 29 percent. Also eligible were the first and third rounds of a classic fight in Bellator pitting lightweights Eddie Alvarez and Michael Chandler and an oddly memorable performance by Rousimar Palhares against Dan Miller.
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