The main event for UFC Fight Night 79 in Seoul, South Korea, this morning (or night, depending on where you live) resulted in a record fifth split decision being handed down in favor of "Smooth" Benson Henderson after a hard fought five rounds against Jorge Masvidal.
Despite being "unhappy" taking the fight on short notice, Masvidal held his own against the former UFC Lightweight champion, trading the advantage with his foe in each round and bringing the result down to a photo finish:
Benson Henderson vs. Jorge Masvidal UFC Fight Night 79 Scorecard https://t.co/S6hY3oFpv5 pic.twitter.com/tzVBdRJAEl
— MMAFighting.com (@MMAFighting) November 28, 2015
To make it easier for those who can't read the scorecard:
Mark Craig
Round 1: 10-9 Masvidal
Round 2: 10-9 Henderson
Round 3: 10-9 Masvidal
Round 4: 10-9 Henderson
Round 5: 10-9 Masvidal (48-47 Masvidal)
Barry Foley
Round 1: 10-9 Henderson
Round 2: 10-9 Henderson
Round 3: 10-9 Masvidal
Round 4: 10-9 Masvidal
Round 5: 10-9 Henderson (48-47 Henderson)
Charley Keech
Round 1: 10-9 Masvidal
Round 2: 10-9 Henderson
Round 3: 10-9 Henderson
Round 4: 10-9 Henderson
Round 5: 10-9 Henderson (49-46 Henderson)
As you can see from the scorecard, it was a majority draw headed into the fifth and final round, making it a crucial one for both fighters. Had Barry Foley seen the final frame for "Gamebred" he would have won the fight.
Obviously, Masvidal couldn't win the fight on Charley Keech's scorecard since unlike Foley, he saw rounds three and four for Henderson.
Only the second round was a clear-cut unanimous victory for Benson Henderson, with all other rounds being contested one way or another by the judges.
Which I guess goes back to the age-old Dana White expression: Never leave it in the hands of the judges!
For complete UFC Fight Night 79: "Henderson vs. Masvidal" results, including play-by-play updates, click here.