Finally colliding after years of fan speculation, legendary lower class warriors Frankie Edgar and Urijah Faber finally did battle in the UFC's first Philippines-based card. Suspending their respective title aspirations for one night at least, the two combatants were instead fighting for something that doesn't necessarily require championship gold: Bragging rights.
The latest chapter in East vs. West coast. Tupac vs. Biggie. The differences between the two opposing sides of the United States might be many, but that wasn't the case here. Fast and proficient in a multitude of areas, Edgar and Faber are almost mirror images of the other, and this is most definitely the reason for their close and competitive main event clash.
With both men acutely aware of the other’s seemingly bottomless bag of weapons, the action was lightening fast, but fairly eventless in terms of violence. Neither man really put the other in any particular danger with the exception of a couple of well placed shots here and there. It became rather apparent mid-way through the bout, that Edgar and Faber were perhaps too closely matched to warrant anything wild. Both fighters showed clear respect for the other, perhaps too much.
Naturally larger and slightly stronger than his adversary, Edgar was able to match Faber’s speed and output before taking over just past the ten minute mark. Mixing a consistent rhythm of rangy strikes with a series of takedown attempts, the New Jersey native was able to drive ‘The California Kid’ down to the mat on numerous occasions. Faber gamely resisted the majority of these attempts, usually springing to his feet, even seeking his patented guillotine at one point. Unfortunately for the former WEC champion it wasn't enough, Edgar’s careful, point-based strategy and superior work-rate prevailed as his took a deserved unanimous decision victory.
Sure it wasn't the classic it was hyped to be, but it was still an entertaining technical affair featuring two world class competitors with plenty of gas seemingly remaining in the tank.
For Edgar a crack at the winner of the upcoming Aldo/McGregor title fight is surely secured. Since dropping down to the 145 pound ranks ‘The Answer’ has whittled off four consecutive victories, his lone defeat being his division debut against the current champion. Suffering his first-ever loss in a non-title bout, Faber’s future is considerably murkier. His Alpha Male cohort, T.J. Dillashaw, is the current champion at 135 pounds, the weight Faber is likely to remain at going forward. A fight between the two seems highly unlikely. Faber still has a fighting chance to fulfil his title dream...but his time, and options are limited.
UFC Fight Night 66 Main Card Results
Featherweight
Frankie Edgar def Urijah Faber via unanimous decision (50-45, 50-45, 50-45)
Middleweight
Gegard Mousasi def Costas Philippou via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)
Middleweight
Mark Muñoz def Luke Barnatt via unanimous decision (29-28, 30-27, 30-27)
Welterweight
Neil Magny def Hyun Gyu Lim via TKO (punches) in round 2
Featherweight
Phillipe Nover def Yui Chul Nam via split decision (29-28, 28-29, 29-28)
Featherweight
Levan Makashvili def Mark Eddiva via split decision (29-28, 28-29, 30-27)
What did you think of the fight and this Fight Night in general? Leave your comments and analysis below!
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