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FIGHT ODDS

Sherdog’s Top 10: Worst Decisions

Tristen CritchfieldOct 03, 2013
B.J. Penn lost his title overseas. | Photo: Dave Mandel/Sherdog.com


8. B.J. Penn vs. Frankie Edgar
UFC 112 “Invincible”
April 10, 2010 | Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
During Edgar’s time as a UFC lightweight title challenger and champion, rematches were all the rage. From April 2010 to August 2012, the Toms River, N.J., native fought three men over the course of six championship bouts. Nothing was ever easy for Edgar, who for the longest time darted and dodged around suggestions that he move to featherweight in much the same manner that he used to confound foes and judges alike.

“The Answer” era began in earnest at UFC 112, where he entered the main event as a considerable underdog to reigning lightweight king and future hall of famer B.J. Penn. Like many of his bouts, Edgar did just enough to win, not in the eyes of the viewers and media but to those sitting cageside with scorecards at the ready. After all, they were the ones who mattered.

Edgar relied on his trademark speed and movement throughout, keeping Penn off-balance with feints and a versatile standup arsenal. He also successfully executed the fight’s lone takedown in fifth round. Still, an argument can be made that Penn connected with the more powerful punches throughout and that his stiff left jab remained consistent even as fatigue set in. The totals from FightMetric favor “The Prodigy,” as well: he landed more significant strikes than his foe in rounds one (18 to 10), two (17 to 6) and three (11 to 10).

When it was revealed that Edgar had earned one of the biggest upsets of 2010, the scorecard of Douglas Crosby was especially perplexing. Somehow Crosby gave each round to Edgar; meanwhile, Sal D’Amato saw it 48-47 and Andy Roberts 49-46, both for the newly minted champion. Only one of the six media scorecards tracked by MMADecisions scored it for Edgar.

Due to the contentious nature of the decision, Penn was granted a rematch at UFC 118, which Edgar won in much more decisive fashion. The pair will square off for a third time next year after coaching on Season 19 of “The Ultimate Fighter.” Consider it an unofficial rubber match.

Number 7 » Bisping vs. Hamill