Associated Press
Associated Press
CHICAGO — Former lightweight champion Benson Henderson won a disputed split decision over Josh Thomson in a five-round lightweight fight at UFC Chicago on Saturday night.
Henderson (20-3) received winning scores of 48-47 and 49-46, and the other judge scored it 48-47 for Thomson (20-6). The announcement drew boos from the United Center crowd.
Thomson and Henderson have been major players in the MMA lightweight division throughout their careers, but the fight was the first time they squared off.
Thomson controlled the first round, starting with a takedown and ending round with another fierce takedown.
Thomson indicated to his corner after the second round that he thought he broke his hand, and Henderson came out aggressive in the third with a flurry of punches and a late takedown.
In the fifth, Thomson landed a right hand and a sweeping leg kick, then got a hold of a kick attempt by Henderson and pushed him into the side of the cage. Henderson was able to get in one last body shot at the end of the round that ended with some boos from the crowd.
Henderson gave up the title after being submitted by Anthony Pettis on an armbar at UFC 164. Henderson had a seven-fight winning streak going into the fight against Pettis, the second-longest run in lightweight history.
Henderson is aiming for a third fight against Pettis with the belt on the line this summer, but it is unclear if he will get that chance. On Thursday, UFC President Dana White wouldn’t guarantee another rematch for Henderson against Pettis for the lightweight title if he won.
Earlier, Stipe Miocic unanimously outpointed Gabriel Gonzaga in a three-round heavyweight fight. Miocic improved to 11-1, and Gonzaga dropped to 16-8.
Also, Donald Cerrone (22-6) rebounded from a loss to Pettis last year in Chicago by knocking out Adriano Martins in the first round. Cerrone struck Martins in the head with a right leg kick.