UFC Fight Night 79 Results: End of the road for Bendo?

Bendo may have just fought his final UFC fight

Even though Benson Henderson won an impressive split decision over Jorge Masvidal, there were many factors that were pointing towards this being his last fight in the UFC. Firstly, this was his final fight on his current UFC contract (with no news of a fresh contract from him or Dana).

Moreover, “we’re going to keep this rolling” is what he told the broadcaster after his victory. He then coupled his words with a loaded gesture- laying down his gloves on the Octagon floor- which is a move generally considered a sign of retirement.

Speculation has it that Bendo has intentions of signing up for Bellator, probably getting a better deal there, for his once invincible- stature in the UFC has fallen like a house of cards in the last two years, losing three of his six prior fights. Only time will certify this presumption.

Yesterday’s fight on the other hand, was closely contested. Masvidal impressed with his takedown defence, nullifying the wrestler in Bendo. His striking was good and went head to head with Benson in the stand-up game. The only chink in the armour was when he started to fade a bit in the championship rounds, costing him the match.

The co-main event was short-lived with Dong Hyun Kim technically knocking out(much to the delight of his home crowd) an unprepared (for he took up the fight in short notice) Dominic Waters. In speaking after his victory, Kim called for a rematch with Demian Maia- who had had the better of him in 2012.

The fan favourite Yoshihiro Akiyama aka “Sexyama” ,who happens to be a huge multimedia star, may have lost the fight but thoroughly entertained the crowds. He landed heavy fists and vicious leg kicks, doing the Brazilian Alberto Mina heavy damage and dropped him more than once.

If the scoring system was based on sheer damage, Akiyama would have clearly won to the more technical Alberto.

The last fight of the main card included “The Korean Superboy” Doo Ho Choi who literally whipped Sam Sicilia, thereby getting a technical knockout victory, in the first round of the opening fight on the main card.

This was his second first round finish in the UFC and therefore, is clearly heading in the right direction.

UFC Fight night 79 proved to be extremely entertaining, with the home crowd, Seoul, getting to see their money’s worth. For the fans back in America, the timings were a little cruel, with the fight starting at 5 a.m (Eastern Time) and that too on a Saturday morning following Black Friday.

However, those who did take the pain to tune in were thoroughly entertained.

Only about a fortnight remains before the next UFC event, UFC Fight Night (Namajuna vs VanZant) on December 10, followed by the Ultimate Fighter finale on December 11 and finally, the presumed biggest fight in UFC history Aldo vs McGregor on December 12(UFC 194).

The hype that this fight is creating has completely overshadowed the fact that even Chris Weidman(who now completely seems to be forgotten) also will be defending his title against Luke Rockhold. Clearly, this is one heck of a fight card and is sure to break PPV records.

Below is a list of results for UFC Fight Night 79

Main Card

Benson Henderson def. Jorge Masvidal by split decision

Dong Hyun Kim def. Dominic Waters by TKO, 3:11, Round 1

Alberto Mina def. Yoshihiro Akiyama by split decision

Doo Ho Choi def. Sam Sicilia by TKO, 0:33, Round 1

Preliminary Card

Dongi Yang def. Jake Collier by TKO, 1:50, Round 2

Mike De La Torre def. Yui Chul Nam by split decision

Tae Hyun Bang def. Leo Kuntz by split decision

Seo Hee Ham def. Cortney Casey by unanimous decision

Fredy Serrano def. Yao Zhikui by TKO (injury), 0:44, Round 1

Marco Beltran def. Ning Guangyou by split decision

Dominique Steele def. Dong Hyun Kim by KO, 0:27, Round 3