Although it was lacking in the same hype as the heavyweight slugfest that took place before it, the co-main event of UFC 156: "Aldo vs. Edgar" tonight (Sat., Feb. 2, 2013) at the Mandalay Bay Events Center in Las Vegas, Nevada, featured a compelling contest of two light heavyweights who have just sort of been floating around in space.
Rashad Evans had gone nearly a year without fighting, rearranging his entire career after his decision loss to Light Heavyweight Champion Jon Jones back at UFC 145. His opponent, Antonio Rogerio Nogueira, dealt with injuries over the last year and had missed even more time than "Suga."
Something had to give.
Right?
It didn't seem like it would after a couple rounds. Evans likely took the first but his general malaise led to his likely dropping the second, though to be clear, neither fighter was overly aggressive and the pace was relatively slow throughout.
In fact, one could argue for any manner of scoring.
The third round featured more of the same, as Evans failed to land the punches he was throwing while "Lil' Nog" stayed on the outside and occasionally jumped in for a jab or two and a kick from distance. Rashad's late takedown attempt failed and the boo birds came out to shower the two with a chorus of disrespect for a bizarre contest between two usually great fighters.
Then again, UFC 156: "Aldo vs. Edgar" might as well have been known as UFC 156: "Bizarro."
When the horn sounded, both fighters raised their hands while the crowd cheered only for the merciful end. The judges came in with a verdict in favor of Nogueira by way of 29-28 scores across the board.
Huh.
For complete results and blow-by-blow coverage from UFC 156 click here.