Battered, bruised and still the champ. A look at UFC 167s Main-event.

Post date: 17-Nov-2013 17:34:50

UFC 167 LAS VEGAS NEVADA

Paul Geddes

@P_Ged_ @mma_show

Battered, bruised and still the champ.

UFC 167 headlined with the awesome prospect of Johny ‘Big Rig’ Hendricks versus Georges ‘Rush’ St Pierre. St Pierre was last defeated by an overhand right from Matt Serra at UFC 67 on April 7 2007. Over 6 years undefeated and the winner of 11 straight since his loss to Serra. Hendricks has a left hand loaded with TNT and was the winner of his previous 6 UFC fights including highlight reel knockouts of both Martin Kampmann and Jon Fitch.

In the lead up to the fight a lot was made of Hendricks’ decision not to take part in VADA (Voluntary Anti-Doping Association) testing prior to the fight. His decision was based upon his belief that VADA’s impartiality could be in doubt considering St Pierre is their poster boy. As in literally the man on their posters.

The undercard came and went but the spotlight literally and figuratively was on the main event. As Bruce Buffer announced the fighters Hendricks had the swagger of a champion but St Pierre appeared abound with nervous energy. When both fighters met in the middle of the octagon to touch gloves Hendricks had a childlike grin and looked perhaps too relaxed for the man about to take on one of the greatest fighters of all time.

Over the next five rounds St Pierre received one of the toughest fights of his career from Hendricks. Hendricks almost had St Pierre out in the second round and arguably could have pushed harder to finish St Pierre. Ultimately St Pierre won the fight via split decision which left many a fan, pundit and fighter in disbelief.

All three judges scored the fight the same with the exception of the first round. Two judges scoring that in favour of St Pierre the other for Hendricks.

After the fight St Pierre was battered and bruised and complained of ‘memory loss’. He cryptically went on to explain to UFC commentator Jo Rogan that he needed some time off and had ‘personal things happening’. ‘Is this the end?’ Rogan asked, ‘I have to step away for a bit’, replied St Pierre.

A fresh faced Hendricks understandably was bitterly disappointed with the decision vowing never to be in the same situation again.

During the post-fight media scrum UFC President Dana White explained that he was ‘confident’ St Pierre would return to the octagon. White went on to explain his belief that St Pierre was ‘beaten up’ and he didn’t know how anyone could score the fight for St Pierre.

ANALYSIS

Attached is the judges scorecard from the main event. With the first round being the only bone of contention between the three I have re-watched and re-watched the 1st round and tried to be as impartial as I can on scoring it. I still give the opening round to Hendricks though.

Both fighters score takedowns but Hendricks is back on his feet quickly with St Pierre spending the more time on his back. Yes St Pierre did have a guillotine attempt but it was fleeting and never troubled Hendricks. When in the clinch Hendricks landed the harder knees and when clinching against the cage Hendricks handled St Pierre easily.

When St Pierre applied pressure against the cage, Hendricks replied with multiple hard elbows that left an obvious impression on both the tactics and head of St Pierre.

I have just re watched the opening round and still score it for Hendricks.

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