The four Facebook-broadcast fights at UFC 133 are history.
And the judges certainly earned their pay in the night’s first two hours.
All four bouts went to the scorecards, though two came within spitting distance of stoppages.
Rafael Natal def. Paul Bradley (30-27, 29-28, 29-28)
Bradley’s boxing looked strong, but Natal’s leg kicks and takedown defense ultimately carried the day.
Mike Brown def. Nam Phan (29-27, 29-28, 29-28)
This one could have been a 28-28 draw. Brown took Phan’s book and peppered him with left hands and elbows for the better part of four minutes, but Phan’s striking looked crisp in the second and third rounds. All three judges gave Phan the second, but Brown the third.
Johny Hendricks def. Mike Pierce (28-29, 29-28, 29-28)
A striking barn-burner that could have gone either way. Fight of the night so far, to these eyes.
Ivan Menjivar def. Nick Pace (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
Menjivar’s consistency ultimately trumped Pace’s moments of brilliance. Pace spent a solid minute of the first round riding Menjivar piggy-back style, looking for a standing rear naked choke — and almost getting it. After Menjivar dominated the second, Pace closed his eye with a knee in the closing minute of the third. He couldn’t quite catch him for the finish.
The Spike TV prelim bouts are starting. Follow me on Twitter @adamsmartschan for updates throughout.
