UFC 144 Main Card: Big Winners and Losers

Wow. I think I have said that tonight about 16 times give or take. Incredible fights from top to bottom.

The main event was epic; I love high-level athletes competing at the highest level. I will take that kind of fight over any sloppy slugfest any day of the week and two times on Tuesday.

But, regardless how good the card was, there are big winners and even bigger losers. All in all, UFC 144 was one of the best pay-per-views the UFC has put on in quite some time.

Big Winners

1. Ben Henderson

I picked him to win. He won me a little bit of money and he put on an incredible performance over probably the most underrated champ of all time.

Henderson looked like he could of fought 30 rounds tonight. He is in incredible shape and his skills keep improving. It was a very close fight but I did have Henderson winning 49-48.

A lot of people will argue Edgar landed more takedowns, but Henderson did more damage, so they cancel out. Henderson put the pressure on Edgar and landed the harder shots, tried more submissions and hurt Edgar badly. With more time in the round, it could have been the end of the fight.

I think now it is appropriate to go ahead and book the rematch with Henderson and Pettis and if the UFC was smart, which they are, they would put it on Fox.

2. Frankie Edgar

Yes, he lost. But did he really? The guy is supposed to be at 145 pounds and is fighting monsters at Lightweight. Depending who you ask, they thought Edgar won. I can see how people think that way.

It was a very close fight and Edgar did not lose anything tonight but the title. I like to see who they give Edgar next because I do not think it will not take him too long to get back to the title.

3. Ryan Bader

I loved his performance. I may have picked against him but I love when fighters fight smart and decide to play to their strengths. He had a wonderful game plan and looked great mixing up his strikes. Bader vs. Phil Davis next, anyone?

4. Anthony Pettis

I mean, do I really need to explain why? Head kick. Knockout.

Big Losers

1. Rampage Jackson

He missed weight. He looked fatter in the cage than I have ever seen him before. He begged to be on this card and besides the slam, I do not think he landed a significant punch.

Rampage looked very old tonight and I think he needs to do another movie, clear his head and figure out if he really wants to fight.

2. Cheick Kongo

I mean, Mark Hunt is a pretty special story and he almost made my big winners but I just could not give it too him because of how inconsistent Kongo is. I like the guy but he gets smoked when the bright lights are on.

He weighed 229 pounds. Maybe cut some of that muscle and drop to 205. I am sure Rampage weighed more than Kongo tonight.

3. Joe Rogan

I love Rogan. I think he is a great announcer but I could not help to think if he was drunk or just jet lagged? He was screaming most of the fight and then proceeded to cry when Henderson was hugging his mom.

It is a sweet story and I am not opposed to grown men crying but goodness, he seemed out of sorts tonight.

In reality, it was a fantastic card and in six days, we get to do it all over again. What a life I live. I have dreamed of this much MMA access and I am living my dream.

Until next time, friends.