While it took a split decision with two of the judges scoring it three rounds to two for the champ the other judge saw it as three to two but for the former Strikeforce lightweight champion Gilbert Melendez. It was an ultra close fight with Melendez clearly taking round one and Henderson clearly taking round four other than that it really could have gone either way.

Melendez started out setting the pace early in the fight. Melendez was able to catch a good chunk of the kicks that came to the body. Henderson used a stepping elbow over and over through out the fight and seemed to switch from the body kicks that were being caught to knees. Henderson did work the jab as Melendez would close the distance but the stats that were being showed through out the fight clearly showed it was all Henderson as he out struck Melendez and out kicked by a huge advantage. Part of it being so deceiving was that Melendez spent most of the time as the man coming forward bringing the fight to the champ.

In what turned out to be a great fight I hope to see a rematch of but not too soon; as it is getting tiresome of having the champions tied up with the same opponents and jamming up the rest of the division. After the scores are read the HP Pavilion showed their displeasure in the verdict and showered Henderson with boos. As Rogan tried to get the post fight interview Henderson stopped him got the ring from one of his corner men, dropped to a knee and purposed to his girlfriend who had joined him in the cage. She of course said “yes” which momentarily stopped some of the crowd from booing but only long enough to give a real quick applause before the boos erupted in full force again.

The big men had their opportunity in the cage as Daniel Cormier finally got to get his hands on Frank Mir. In a match up between the two time Olympic wrestler and one of the greatest UFC submission artist ever it was all Cormier in this fight. In what seemed like a highlight of Hall of Famer Randy Couture fights Cormier stacked Mir up against the cage he put all his weight on Mir, he dirty boxed him and kneed him. This technique was very successful as Mir was helpless against it for three rounds and Cormier took the unanimous decision 30-27 on all three of the judges scorecards.

Josh Thomson made it a successful return to the UFC where he had gone 2-1 during 2003 and 2004. Also in the process Thomson became the first person to ever stop Nate Diaz at any weight. Thomson started off the fight with switching stances over and over while landing the leg kick to keep Diaz from using his range. Diaz ate a pair of head kicks from Thomson, the first he smiled and ate while the second turned out to be the end of his night. Diaz tried to duck under the one in the second but all he did was put the side of his head directly inline with the shin of Thomson. Thomson swarmed and pounded away as but the ref gave Diaz a chance before he jumped in but eventually had to bring it to a stop and he did so as you see the towel fly into the cage from Diaz’s corner.

In the first fight of the evening for the FOX portion of the broadcast “The Immortal” Matt Brown came out and showed the occasional fans who watch the free events exactly what it is that he does. He makes a fight a brawl! He swarmed one of the top welterweight prospects Jordan Mein right from the beginning as he usually does and never backed off. Brown chased Mein lunging at him with punches as he did so. Mein landed some sharp elbows when they were in close and even dropping Brown with a body shot. Brown the ever wise veteran immediately latched on to a leg of Mein and pulled him in close while threatening a triangle choke while he cleared the cobb webs. At the beginning of round 2 Brown swarms once again and brutalizes Mein as he pounds away on a turtled up Mein with elbows to the side of the head then standing over him elbowing his back till “Big John” McCarthy steps in at 1 min of round 2. That is what Brown does he wants to stand and punch till some one drops and with someone like Mein who uses more technique it really can pull them out of their game.

The first fight on Facebook ended in stunning fashion as the Cuban Olympic silver medalist in free style wrestling, Yoel Romero, landed a flying knee to the chin of Clifford Starks. Romero wasted no time diving on top and pounded away on till the ref was able to get over and protect Starks. The middleweight Romero picked up his first UFC win just 92 seconds into round 1.

In the only other Facebook fight lightweights Roger Bowling made his UFC debut against Anthony Njokuani. Bowling was making his transition to the UFC ranks from Strikeforce and controlled the fight up to the 4:20 mark of round one when Njokuani was able to get up off the mat and stepped his game up to give the judges something to remember as he landed clean and often. However the judges wouldn’t be needed as the second round the two fighters stayed on their feet and as Bowling charged in Njokuani placed a perfect short left to the chin that knocked out Bowling and Njokuani being the veteran could tell the fight was over and just stood above rather than delivering more punishment as the referee raced over. Anthony Njokuani is now 3-3 in the UFC with this knockout victory at the 2:52 mark of round 2.  To cap it off Njokuani busted out a big spinaroonie after it was over.

Team Alpha Male had an absolutely great showing from their fighters tonight as TJ Dillashaw started off the action when he took on Hugo Viana in the bantamweight ranks. Viana was able to drop Dillashaw 45 seconds into the fight with a right hand but the wrestler quickly turned it into his favor taking Viana to the ground. Dillashaw would go on to get his striking working as he was able to hurt and drop Viana a couple times in the 60 seconds leading up to the final right hand and ground and pound that would give the Alpha Males the first of three victories at 4:22 of round 1.

Next up for the team of fighters out of Sacramento, CA was the flyweight Joseph Benavidez who lost to the champion Demetrious Johnson in the fight to crown the first champion. It would take Benavidez nearly two full rounds of punishing Darren Uyenoyama to put him away but he was able to. In the second round Benavidez landed a left kick to the body that connected right under the ribs that you could just see hurt. Benavidez heard is coach say go to the body and a thudding left hand in the same spot dropped Uyneoyama. Benavidez dove on top and landed a couple more body shots and head shots as the ref rushed over. Benavidez would spend the longest time in the cage going to the 4:50 mark of round 2.

Chad Mendes would cap off the night for the Alpha Males as the number one contender at featherweight took on Darren Elkins who filled in for Clay Guida. It took “Money” Mendes 1:08 to land one overhand right to the temple and then dive on top to finish off Elkins for the TKO. After Mendes finished of Elkins he motioned at his waist for the belt. Mendes wants the rematch with the featherweight king Jose Aldo and their is no one left standing between the two. Having Duane “Bang” Ludwig as their new head coach has really been paying off.

The two former Ultimate Fighter competitors met as Ramsey Nijem and Myles Jury faced off at 155 pounds. The first round was dominated by grappling as neither man landed double digit strikes and they fought for position. In the second round though Nijem and his reckless striking would pay. Nijem charged forward winging punch after punch and Jury connected with an right to the face that shut off the lights for Nijem before he even hit the mat. Myles Jury with the win at 1:02 in round 2 is now 11-0 in his mixed martial arts career.

Jorge Masvidal is the latest transplant from Strikeforce to successfully step inside the octagon. He was at a distance disadvantage to the taller Tim Means and ate a few elbows when he was able to get in close but after the first round Masvidal was successful in take down after take down and that is where a majority of the last two rounds were spent. Means defended from really taking any punishment but he had spent too much time on his back and Masvidal took home the 29-28 decision from all three judges.

In the other bout to go the distance Georges St. Pierre’s teammate Francis Carmont was able to extend his winning streak to 11 fights by picking up the unanimous decision two rounds to one on all cards over Lorenz Larkin. Larkin looked to have this fight as he punished the legs of Carmont and defended 7 of the first 8 take down attempts. Larkin even pulled off a sweet looking spinning heel kick to the thigh of Carmont. When Carmont got the fight to the ground he was never there long and Larkin put up a fight from the bottom utilizing the rubber guard attempting submissions and almost locking in a kimura. Carmont was the aggressor in this fight with out a doubt; he was consistently moving forward and that had to be what stood out in the mind of the judges.

Facebook live fight

Bantamweights (135lbs)

John “Prince” Albert vs Scott “Young Guns” Jorgensen

Ref: Herb Dean

Round 1:

Jorgensen goes for a take down early. Albert gets his arm as he goes down but Jorgensen is able to pull clear of the submission. Jorgensen in the open guard delivering the shoulder to the jaw and punches to the body. Albert sweeps him and has his back. Albert with both hooks in. Jogensen is able to flip him over and is back in the open guard of Albert. Jorgensen with short elbows and more body shots. Albert with the triangle now is elbowing the head of Jorgensen. Albert pulling down on the head of Jorgensen. Jorgensen defends well and has an arm in and is able to get into side control now. Jorgensen working on the far arm now of Albert. Jorgensen with short elbows again and Albert is able to work him back into the guard. Jorgensen postures up now and is pounding away. Albert tries to create space to get up Jorgensen takes his back. 10 seconds left Jorgensen has the rear naked  flattens him out and Albert taps as the horn ends the round.

Winner by Submission at 4:59 of rd 1 Scott “Young Guns” Jorgensen

Prelims on FX 5pm ET/ 2pm PT

Featherweights (145lbs)

Nam Phan vs Dennis Siver

Ref: Anthony Hamlett

Round 1-

They touch gloves and Siver is going to work with the left lead kick early. Siver goes for a head kick that Phan blocks with the forearm. Siver left jab right hook left kick to the body combo. Siver with a straight right now. Siver with another that rocks Phan’s head back. Phan can take a punch and is blocking the left but Siver is finding a home with the right. Half way through round 1 and Siver has landed 32 significant strikes. Siver now lands the left lead jab. Phan walks into a front kick. Siver gets the single leg take down but doesn’t follow Phan down to the ground. Siver wraps up the leg again and Siver lands the left hook while Phan tries to defend the take down. Siver with a counter left to the jaw and Siver with that vicious spinning back kick to the body. Great round for Siver who looks sharp at 145.

Round 2-

Siver with the combo that backs up Phan and Siver with another head kick attempt as Phan gets out of punching range. Phan with a left hook after he is briefly dropped by Siver. Siver has landed 32 kicks alone so far in 6 minutes of fight. Siver with a right leg kick followed by a left head kick. Siver with a spinning wheel kick that clips the chin of Phan. Siver takes him down now and is in half guard of Phan. Siver working the short elbows and punches. Siver now pins one of the arms of Phan and is landing clean shots. Phan pops his arm free and is trying to block. Siver with nasty ground and pound to the side of the head of Phan. Siver in side control and Phan rolls and gives up his back. Phan realizes it is a bad idea and turns back over Siver gets the full mount briefly before Phan can work him back into half guard. All Siver again.

Round 3-

Phan with a clean jab but eats a thudding kick to the body. Phan with a big looping punch that Siver steps out of the way of than gets the take down. Siver in half guard again. Siver working the short punches and goes for the mount again. Phan is able to keep the one leg in the guard again. Siver with elbows from the top. Wow Phan is taking a beating but still working. Siver with constant pressure mixing up elbows and punches. Siver pins the arm again briefly and lands more unguarded shots. 90 seconds left and Siver is relentless from the half guard with the ground and pound. Siver landed 118 ground strikes thus far. Phan has him in a closed guard now but it is not slowing Siver down. Siver looked GREAT! He could be trouble for the top of the featherweight division

Winner by unanimous decision ( 30-24, 30-25, 30-26) Dennis Siver

Siver landed 227 total strikes!

Lightweights(155lbs)

Abel “Killa” Trujillo vs Marcus “The Prospect” Levesseur

Ref:  Anthony Hamlett

Round 1-

Levesseur ducks under and power shoots Trujillo and has him by the back but Trujillo is back to his feet. Levesseur still has him tied up and on the cage. Trujillo with elbows but nothing he does can get Levesseur off of him. Ref splits them apart and Trujillo lands the left hook as Levesseur comes in for another take down. Levesseur has his back up against the cage as Trujillo popped back up quickly. Trujillo with a knee to the body and is driving the point of his elbow into the body of Levesseur. Levesseur is in trouble as Trujillo pounds away at his body and arms. Levesseur never lets go of the single and the ref breaks them again. Levesseur ate alot of shots to the body. Levesseur charges in again and eats a knee to the face. Levesseur holds on to the single but never gets into an offensive position.

Round 2-

Trujillo catches the kick this time and has a north south choke on Levesseur. Trujillo hholding it but can’t finish. Levesseur back up than gets dropped by a big punch. Now Trujillo is on top in open guard. Levesseur rolls over and Trujillo has his back but Levesseur is able to get up to his feet after eating a few punches. Levesseur tries for a single and Trujillo pounces backwards on one foot than gets free and takes his back. Trujillo with lunging power knees to a turtled body of Levesseur and the ref has seen enough and called a stop to the fight.

Winner by TKO at 3:56 of round 2 Abel “Killa” Trujillo

Lightweights (155lbs)

Henry “Sicario” Martinez vs Daron “Detroit Superstar” Cruickshank

Ref: Anthony Hamlett

Round 1-

Cruickshank goes to the body but Martinez closes the distance and grabs a single leg. Martinez has him against the fence now and working a high crotch but Hamlett separates them. They are swinging away and Cruickshank lands a couple good shots as Martinez closes the distances again and goes for another single but Cruickshank spreads the legs and defends. Cruickshank with a big elbow and Martines now with a hay maker that lands. Cruckshank gets the distance  and you can see he has busted open the forehead of Martinez. Cruickshank lands a body kick that hurts Martinez now another pair. Martinez against the fence covering up eating body kicks. Martinez comes out swinging. They are centered again but Martinez looks still to be hurting and trying to protect the body with the left arm. Crucickshank with a wheel kick to the body now a stepping uppercut. Cruckshank with a nasty head kick and the ref was running in to stop it but Martinez refuses to go down. Martinez with an elbow and Cruckshank counters with a big right as the first round ends. Martinez has an unbelievable amount of heart.

Round 2-

Martinez comes forward again and grabs a single. Cruickshank with a big knee to the body as they break and has out struck Martinez 54 to 24 at this point in the fight. Martinez pressing forward lands a jab and keeps trying to close the distance. Cruickshank with a pair of straights to the face of Martinez as he tries to close the gap. Cruckshank gets clipped with a right hook. Cruickshank with a front kick to the body. Martinez now working  kicks to the leg of Cruickshank. Martinez with a pair of jabs and Cruickshank gets space with another side front kick.  Cruickshank with a right head kick right over the shoulder of Martinez and Martinez stiffens up and falls back. That kick was a perfect shin to the jaw as Martinez was expecting it to the body.

Winner at 2:57 of round 2 by KO “Detroit Superstar” Daron Cruickshank

Dana White stated it best after the ko on twitter “Holy Shit!!!!!!!”

Lightweights (155lbs)

Joe Proctor vs Ramsey Nijem

Ref: Dan Mirgaliotta

Round 1-

Nijem with a body kick and charges in for a take down. Proctor backs up and grabs his neck for a guillotine. Nijem works for the high crotch take down and than tries to pull his head free. Proctor and Nijem stand and trade shots. Nijem with a pair of knees and an over the top right hand. Nijem with a jumping switch kick that knocks down Proctor. Nijem dives on top and pounds away. Proctor is able to turtle up and Nijem is on his back pounding away. Proctor tries to stand up and you can see he is bleeding out the mouth. Nijem drags him back down and than mounts a seated Proctor. Proctor gets back up and grabs for the neck again of Nijem. Nijem gets him back to the ground and quickly takes his back. Proctor rolls free. Proctor catches Nijem as he comes in with a right left and Nijem tries to grab a leg as he goes down. Proctor now in the half guard pounding away from a postured position. Nijem rolls over and they are in north south as the round ends.

Round 2-

Proctor gets the muay thai clinch lands a pair of knees before Nijem pushes him away. Nijem with a front kick to the body and Nijem eats a counter left as he throws the hay maker right hand. Nijem with a nice short counter right and misses with the spinning kick. Nijem lands the left to the body but whiffs with the right behind it over the top. Nijem with a left jab and leg kick combo. Proctor lands the right and Nijem goes for another take down but Proctor has the under hook trying to prevent. Nijem spins him off the fence and gets the take down and now is in the closed guard. Procotor pushes him off briefly and sits up. Proctor gets the front choke now.  Proctor is working for the mount at the same time but Nijem stops that. Nijem on his knees now and is able to get Proctor back on his butt. Proctor now lets go of the choke and tries for the kimura but can’t get it before round two comes to a close.

Round 3-

Nijem with a body kick start round 3. Nijem lands the body shot over hand right this time. Nijem goes in for another take down and Proctor tries to get the arm bar as they go down. He cant get it or the shoulder lock now a kimura attempt and Nijem is free and has the mount of a seated Proctor. Proctor tries to get free and Nijem briefly takes his back. Proctor back up but Nijem gives him no space and drags him back to the mat. Proctor gets top his feet and Nijem goes for a front choke. Proctor spins and takes his back. Proctor goes for an arm bar and Nijem pulls free and is in the half guard of Proctor. Nijem now pounding away on the body. Nijem now on his knees and Proctor spins and nails the body. Nijem with a kick to the body and knees as they get back to their feet. What a back and forth affair.

Winner by Unanimous Decision (30-27, 29-28, 29-28 ) Ramsey Nijem

Bantamweights (135lbs)

Mike “The Hulk” Easton vs Raphael Assuncao

Ref: Steve Newport

Round 1-

Assuncao with a spinning back to start things that missed. Assuncao with a leg kick and Easton counters with the right hand. Easton with a beautiful three punch combo that started with two to the body before connecting to the chin. Assuncao has a high kick blocked. Easton with another powerful right hand to the body. Assuncao lands the counter right this time and barely steps out of the way of Easton’s spinning back kick. Easton ducks under a high kick and lands the counter right. Assuncao steps to the side and out of the way of a charging swinging Easton. Easton with a jab to the chin and Easton is able to defend against the take down as Assuncao ducks under a punch and tries to take him down. Assuncao has double underhooks and Easton on the fence. Newport breaks them right before the end of the round and Easton gets in one final leg kick.

Round 2-

Both men miss with spinning kicks at the start of the round. Easton pulls his way out of the way of a nasty kick and charges forward with a three punch combo of his own. They trade thudding leg kicks and Easton is back to walking down Assuncao. Easton with a leg kick and Assuncao counters with the right. Assuncao misses another wheel kick that Easton saw coming. Assuncao with a pair of good counter left jabs. Assuncao has the double under hooks and has him on the fence. The ref breaks them and gives Easton a moment to regain his composure after he eats a knee to the groin. Easton with the right hand behind a left jab and we Joe Rogan goes on and on about the proper cup to wear for protection. Assuncao now throwing the front jab out there that is missing but throws off Easton. Easton tries to duck under a kick but instead of a kick up high ends up eating a front kick as round 2 closes.

Round 3-

Easton walks him down and eats a counter right. Assuncao with a kick to the head as Easton ducks down to strike the body. Easton blocks a high kick with his forearm that could have ended the fight.  Assuncao with a counter left hook and front kick to the body as he takes the offensive. Assuncao tries for a take down now. Easton defends and Assuncao works for the high crotch off the fence. Assuncao gets him down for a split second but Easton is back up lands the right hook and Assuncao lands a counter left straight down the middle. Assuncao tries for another take down but can’t get it again. Easton still being the aggressor and he has to defend another take down. Assuncao has him against the fence again but gives up on the take down and lands a kick to the body as they break. Now Easton can’t get the take down. Assuncao is landing a lot of counter strikes down the middle but not big on the damage scale and the crowd boos as the fight ends.

Winner by  Unanimous Decision (29-28, 30-27, 30-27) Raphael Assuncao

Lightweights(155lbs)

Jeremy “Lil’ Heathen” Stephens vs Yves Edwards

Ref: Steve Newport

Round 1-

Stephens rushes out the gate with a flying knee that misses. Edwards grabs a single but Stephens connects with a strike that makes Edwards let go of the leg. Edwards with a counter left as he ducks under a punch from Stephens. Edwards lands a counter right that drops Stephens. Edwards dives on top and ends the fight with a series of elbows that turn the lights out for Stephens. Both threw right hands Stephens was bigger and more looping and Edwards was shorter and landed first clean to the jaw. Edwards is now tied with Melvin Guillard, Jim Miller and BJ Penn with 10 lightweight victories.

Winner by KO at 1:55 of round 1 Yves Edwards

UFC on FOX main card 8pm ET/ 5pm PT

Welterwights(170lbs)

Matt “The Immortal” Brown vs Mike “Quick” Swick

Ref:  Dan Miragliotta

Round 1-

Both men respecting the other in the first 3o secs until Brown charges forward and lands the right hook. Brown gets the take down goes for a guillotine than switches over to the d’arce choke. It looks deep Brown rolls onto his back and Swick stands up to try and create a little feet. Brown eventually lets go and now Swick is in a closed guard. Swick steps over into side control as Brown goes for a triangle Brown quickly gets him back into the guard and this time gets the arm in triangle. Swick defending with his own legs in the way. Brown loosens up the triangle but still goes for the arm bar. Swick pops free goes for his own choke as Brown gets free than back to his feet as the round ends. Rogan and Goldberg summed it up best when they called it a high class mma chess match.

Round 2-

Brown with a nice left hook and misses with the high kick. Brown with a stepping elbow as he gets Swick up against the cage. Swick gets the clinch and tries for the big knees and Brown lands another elbow. Swick now has a single under hook on Brown against the fence. Swick backs up goes for a couple body shots then Brown comes forward with the right left right that sees the left and right hooks connect and Swick is out.

Winner by KO at 2:31 of rd 2 Matt “The Immortal” Brown

Welterweights(170lbs)

Rory “Ares” MacDonald vs BJ “The Prodigy” Penn

Ref: Herb Dean

Round 1-

Penn comes forward and eats a knee as he goes for a single. MacDonald spins him around and puts Penn on the fence. Penn circles free briefly as MacDonald grabs him and puts him back on the fence. MacDonald backs up and they reset. Both men with good body shots and MacDonald fakes a low kick and lands one up high. Penn is landing the counter right. Penn with a left straight now. MacDonald tries another roundhouse that doesn’t find a home. Penn ties him up and gets two quick take downs before he gets up and spins Penn against the cage. MacDonald with an elbow as they break and MacDonald lands a nice left hook to the body. MacDonald can;t get the take down. MacDonald looks to have hurt Penn with the jab and now a left high kick. MacDonald ties him up and lands a right elbow as they break and round ends. Clear cut round for MacDonald.

Round 2-

Penn coming forward clips MacDonald with the right. MacDonald now has been against the fence and lands a left then a right followed by a front kick to the body. MacDonald has out landed Penn in significant strikes 48 to 16. Penn now with a good right hand. MacDonald now comes forward again and lands the front kick. Now a body kick that Penn partially catches. Penn is covering up and MacDonald is pounding away on the body. Penn’s right eye is swollen. MacDonald lands another jab down the pipe and a leg kick that almost takes the legs out from under Penn. Penn has a knee graze the chin as he comes in. MacDonald gets the take down now and Penn immediately gets him into the Butterfly guard and slaps MacDonalds ears as the round ends.

Round 3-

Penn the aggressor knowing he needs to end it lands the right hand over the top than briefly gets a single before MacDonald is back up and puts Penn on the fence. Dean telling them to work than breaks them Penn lands the left hook as they come back together. MacDonald goes back to the body and now out sig. struck Penn 12o-26. MacDonald with a jab than switch kick. Penn goes for a single cant get it and MacDonald lands the backhand as he pulls his leg free. Penn has now spent the most time in the octagon in UFC history. MacDonald puts Penn against the cage and Dean has to break them. M with the round house kick. MacDonald with  a superman punch and left hook behind it and now MacDonald drops his hands in front of Penn. MacDonald puts him back on the cage and lands an elbow as they break. MacDonald shuffling now as the fight ends. Clearly a unanimous decision for the younger fighter.

Winner by Unanimous Decision (30-26, 30-26 and 30-27) Rory “Ares” MacDonald

MacDonald grabs the mic and calls out Condit for a rematch in March in MacDonald’s hometown.

Light Heavyweights (205lbs)

Alexander “The Mauler” Gustafsson vs Mauricio “Shogun” Rua

Ref: Dan Miragliotta

Round 1-

Gustafsson with the definate reach advantage and kicks the leg out from under Rua. Gustafsson follows him to the mat but Rua immediately turns and grabs for a leg lock. Gustafsson is able to get his knee out of trouble and pull free. Gustafsson catches a kick and takes down Rua. Rua goes right for that leg again. Gustafsson eats a knee as he gets up and has Rua on his back. Gustafsson goes to the body than for an uppercut that Rua blocks. Rua is bleeding from the nose and has out landed Rua 17 to 6 in the first four minutes with punches. Gustafsson know has an under hook and Rua on the cage. Gustafsson punching the body and switches to a single but cant get it.

Round 2-

They both meet in the center and Rua is getting the better of the strikes and nails Gustafsson down the middle. Now Rua has landed a ducking right on a couple of occasions. Gustafsson very briefly gets the take down and now has Rua on the cage with an under hook working the dirty boxing. Ref breaks them and they reset Rua with the ducking right and tries for a take down but ends up on the bottom. Gustafsson lands a left than lets Rua get back up. Rua with another pair of looping rights than Gustafsson gets a take down. Rua escapes and now has the underhooks on Gustafsson against the cage. Gustafsson gets the Windsor and reverses. Gustafsson gets the take down briefly again. Gustafsson with a clinch lands a pair of knees as Rua throws that right hand. Rua with leg kick and they circle around till the end of the round trying to set something up.

Round 3-

Rua with a big right again as he blocks a left from Gustafsson. Gustafsson gets two more quick take downs and the last one gets Gustafsson the back with one hook in. Rua goes for a leg lock again but doesnt get it and they are back up. Gustafsson jabs to the body and Rua steps in to prevent the upper cut that comes behind it. Gustafsson gets the single and is now in an open guard lands an elbow and lets Rua back up. Gustafsson lands another shot to the body and Rua looks to be hurting. Gustafsson lands a right this time. 57-43 in sig. strikes for Gustafsson. Gustafsson has Rua back on the fence and is landing the body shots in close and ref breaks them with a minute left. Gustafsson with a front kick that pops the head back of Rua like a pez dispenser. Rua with a left hook and gets the body lock. Gustafsson walks him back to the cage and Rua pulls guard as the horn ends the fight. Gustafsson helps the bloodied and battered Shogun to his feet and raises his arm.

Winner by Unanimous Decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-26 ) Alexander “The Mauler” Gustafsson

Urijah “The California Kid” Faber is voted newest member of Metro PCS by the fans.

Lightweight Championship(155lbs) 5 rounder

Nate Diaz vs Benson “Smooth” Henderson

Ref: Herb Dean

Round 1-

Diaz comes forward and Henderson lands two quick leg kicks. Henderson cant complete the spinning fist it looked like as Diaz wraps him up on the fence and knees the body. Henderson spins around Diaz and Diaz delivers a series of punches to the head of Henderson. Diaz is fighting off the take down. He briefly goes down before Diaz pops back up. Henderson has the body locks. Diaz staying very busy against the cage and lands an elbow as they break. Henderson gets the single and has Diaz on his back. Diaz trying to land an up kick and Henderson drops down on him with a right hand. Diaz gives up his back but is able to get to his feet. Henderson still has him on the fence Diaz with another elbow as they break. Henderson kicks the leg out from under Diaz but Diaz gets up quickly both men trade knees in the clinch and Diaz avoids a combo by Henderson. Now Diaz has Henderson against the cage with an over under and Henderson reverses and lands a couple short punches as the round ends.

Round 2-

Diaz walking down Henderson again and Diaz ducks under another big right. Henderson gets the body lock and takes down Diaz. Henderson with some nice ground and pound now Diaz eats a head kick as he gets to his feet. Diaz has his back on the cage and is punching the head of Henderson as the champ works the body lock for another take down. Diaz with a knee to the body. Henderson now with an elbow as they break. Diaz  utilizing the jab walking down the champ and Henderson with another low leg kick. The champ has landed 22 leg kicks now he rocks him with a right Diaz goes down and Henderson is swarming. Diaz gives up his back again but is able to get back to his feet. Henderson with another body lock and Diaz goes for the trip but can’t get it. Diaz is bleeding from the right side of his face. Diaz gets the trip this time but Henderson is back up. The champ working that low leg kick and Diaz switches stances. Diaz is bleeding from bridge of his nose and corner of the right eye(outside).

Round 3-

The champ with another low leg kick and has out landed Diaz 60-17 in significant strikes. Diaz pawing with the jab and Henderson gets the power double. Diaz goes for a leg but can’t keep a hold. Henderson is back to his feet than gets another single big shot to the body of Diaz. Diaz has the closed guard briefly. Henderson now standing over Diaz. Diaz kicking the legs of Henderson. The champ drops back down and Diaz grabs a hold of the leg. Diaz with a heel hook now Henderson has one of his own. They spin around and Diaz has given up his backs. Diaz gets free and goes for the leg again of Henderson from the bottom. Diaz is flipping off Henderson and Fox keeps cutting away. Diaz gets up and Henderson drops him with a right. Henderson back on top in side control but Diaz goes after that leg again. 30 seconds left Henderson has his leg free and elbows the body of Diaz. Now big strikes from the champ as the round ends.

Round 4-

Diaz walking backwards with his hands down trying to bait the champ. Henderson ties him up and Diaz with a knee to the body and the champ gets the take down. Diaz rolls again for the leg and gives up his back. Diaz is back up briefly before Henderson gets him back down and takes the back. Diaz gets back to his feet and Diaz uses a kimura for the trip but ends up on bottom and eats some shots to the head and body. Henderson with BIG shots straight down to the stomach of Diaz. Henderson drops down on top of him and Diaz is threatening an arm lock from the bottom and he losses it to eat a hammer fist to the head. Henderson drops down with another shot to the head as Diaz goes again for the leg. Henderson stands up and Diaz is waving him back down and talking to the champ. Henderson is punching the shin and calf of Diaz now. Diaz back up with 10 secs left and Henderson with another lower leg kick.

Round 5-

Last round clearly in favor of the champ and the fans are going nuts as the doc checks the swollen right eye of Diaz. Henderson punches the thigh of Diaz now than ties up Diaz on the fence. Henderson has the single under hook and they trade dirty boxing against the fence. Diaz some how ducks under a huge elbow from Henderson. Henderson picks up Diaz and slams him now. Henderson is standing above him raining down left hands and right elbows. Diaz is back up and is out struck 120-17 with significant strikes by the champ. Henderson has the body lock again and Diaz his trying for a kimura. Henderson pounds away on the body again. Diaz lets go and gets back to his feet. Henderson is just a beast of a lightweight. Diaz gets the take down but Henderson again ends up on top. Diaz back to his feet with half a minute left. Henderson using both hands to rock Diaz body 10 secs left and Diaz swims free and the champ stands in front of him with his hands down waiting for the horn. Pure domination from the champ. No one has out struck Diaz like that.

Winner and STILL the UFC Light Heavyweight Champion by scores of  50-43, 50-45, 50-45 ”Smooth” Benson Henderson.

The champ uses the post fight interview to deliver an inspirational message and tells everyone to hug on their loved ones and cherish the time with them.

The light heavyweights will co-main event the card as former champion Mauricio “Shogun” Rua take on white hot Alexander Gustafsson. The event airs live on FOX at 8pm ET / 5pm PT. You can also tune in to FX for six televised prelims at 5pm ET / 2pm PT, and for those who “like” the UFC on Facebook can see a prelim bout at 4:20pm ET / 1:20pm PT.

MAIN EVENT – UFC LIGHTWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP

Nate Diaz (155*) VS Benson Henderson (154.6)

FOX MAIN CARD

Alexander Gustafsson (205.4) VS Mauricio “Shogun” Rua (205)

Rory MacDonald (170.2) VS BJ Penn(168.2)

Matt Brown (170.2) VS Mike Swick (170)

FX FIGHTS Prelims

Jeremy Stephens (155.8) VS Yves Edwards (155)

Mike Easton(135) VS Raphael Assuncao (136*)

Joe Proctor (154.6) VS Ramsey Nijem(155.4)

Henry Martinez(158.8*) VS Daron Cruickshank (155)

Abel Trujillo (155.4) VS Marcus LeVesseur (155.4)

Nam Phan(145.4) VS Dennis Siver(146)

ONLINE FIGHT

John Albert (136) VS Scott Jorgensen(135.2)

* Diaz (initially 155.6, then 155.2), Martinez (158.8), and Assuncao (136.4) all missed weight. Martinez will not make 156, so he is forfeiting 20 percent of his purse and the fight will go on as scheduled. Assuncao made weight on his second attempt. Diaz made 155 pounds on his third attempt.