UFC 144 Results: What We Learned About Frankie Edgar

The champion has fallen.

One of mixed martial arts' all-time great lightweights was dethroned at last night's UFC 144 as Frankie Edgar passed on his UFC title to Benson Henderson after dropping the unanimous decision.

The perennial underdog was unable to come out on top this time as Henderson mounted a powerful, five-round onslaught that was just too much for Edgar to stage a comeback. Once against showing his heart of a champion, Edgar's size—or lack thereof—betrayed him.

Often criticized for being too small for the division, Edgar took pride in proving doubters wrong, but last night the disparity in size was too much. As broadcaster Mike Goldberg pointed out, Henderson looked like he was a weight class or two above of Edgar, making it easy for the former WEC champion to push "the Answer" around inside the Octagon.

This huge advantage for Henderson was apparent in the damage done on Edgar's face, as the now former champion's left eye was almost completely swollen up after a myriad of powerful strikes. Conversely, Henderson was able to take most of Edgar's power shots while sustaining little damage, especially in the later rounds—another testament to Henderson's size working in his favor.

Technically speaking, however, Edgar looked great last night, specifically his wrestling. On many occasions, Edgar was able to take Henderson down, but he couldn't hold him there. It was clear that Edgar had the better technique when it came to wrestling, but Henderson's strength advantage allowed him to regain his composure.  

Against lighter guys, Edgar's technique and experience against stronger competition would be almost impossible to deal with.

In the end, fans were treated to another gutsy performance by the former champion, but it is clear that he needs to make a change. Edgar can't keep sustaining these near-knockout defeats at the hands of stronger opponents.

A change to featherweight would be a great career choice for Edgar and the smart move to make.

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