If you didn’t buy the UFC 139 pay-per-view last night, it’s possible that you missed one of the greatest mixed martial arts fights ever inside the Octagon, possibly in the span of the sports’ existence. Former Pride champion Dan Henderson battered and beat down former UFC champion Mauricio ‘Shogun’ Rua for three rounds on Saturday night at the HP Pavilion in San Jose, California.
Unfortunately for Henderson, the main event bout was a five-round affair, and Rua survived the onslaught to come back and nearly win by knockout in the fourth round. Check out BloodyElbow.com’s own Brent Brookhouse’s detailed account of the fourth stanza:
Round 4 – Shogun shoots for a single leg and he gets it. Now Henderson stands but he eats big shots from Shogun. Now Shogun goes for a takedown again but Henderson has a crucifix and he tries to mount but Shogun attacks a leg and they’re back to standing. Henderson drives through with a takedown into side control. Shogun gets half guard. Henderson trying for a choke but he has to give it up. Right hand from the top by Henderson. Big punches by Henderson and now knees to the body. They’re standing now and Shogun with an uppercut. Both men are tired and beat up but they’re still fighting. Jab by Henderson. Uppercut by Shogun and some follow up shots. Henderson is hurt badly! Henderson looks for a takedown, Shogun gets out and tags him. Now Henderson with a big right hand. Shogun firing back and Henderson is exhausted. Shogun with a takedown. Shogun into mount. Shogun landing punches. Shogun takes the back, Henderson turns and is on top. This is insanity. This fight is insane. 10-9 Shogun.