Blood, Black Eyes, Boos, and New Champion Highlight UFC INVINCIBLE 112 in Abu Dhabi

Share on Facebook posted 04-12-10 by Jerry Del Priore

I didn’t think that any of the fights, including the championship co-main events at UFC INVINCIBLE 112 PPV on Yas Island in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, would yield any surprises. But, man, I was stunned, and so were many spectators in attendance. In the first title bout of the evening, BJ “The Prodigy” Penn, who hasn’t lost a fight at 155 pounds since January 2002, failed to solve Frankie “The Answer” Edgar, as the New Jersey Native won a unanimous five-round decision and became the new UFC Lightweight Champion. In the other title fight, Middleweight Anderson “The Spider” Silva faced Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu specialist Demian Maia. But there wouldn’t be an upset this time, as the champion retained his belt in another five-round judgment. However, the fans showered Silva with boos for not finishing off his adversary earlier in the match, and deservedly so. In another highly-anticipated contest, two MMA greats clashed for the first time as future UFC Hall of Famer Matt Hughes battled mat fighting master Renzo Gracie. Hughes proved to be the better gladiator, scoring a TKO in the third round.

Frankie “The Answer” Edgar Upsets BJ “The Prodigy” Penn

Clearly, Edgar took Penn off his game. He used his tremendous cardio ability to stay in constant motion throughout the bout, making it extremely difficult for his opponent to clutch him and take him to ground, where he could utilize his deadly submission skills.

In the process of causing Penn motion sickness, Edgar landed several effective punches to the Hawaiian’s face, forming pretty welts underneath his eyeballs, most notably his left side. He even scored two takedowns, which were huge statements more than devastating moves, proving he can ground one of the best lightweights in the world.

In the end, Edgar (12-1) confirmed that not all bad things come from the Garden State (see the cast of the Jersey Shore), winning the strap for the first time in his young career. He made a believer out of me and the rest of the UFC Universe!

Anderson “The Spider” Silva Victorious Over Demian Maia

Silva seemed almost super human for the first 2 rounds, dancing around the Octagon and striking Maia at will while using brash taunting tactics, winning the fans’ approval.

“The Spider” opened up Maia’s face, causing him to hemorrhage crimson red juice. With the lights ready to fall on Maia, Silva began to coast in the third round, avoiding any contact with his foe the rest of the way.

The fervent UFC crown, who seemed as bored as I was, turned on him quicker than a lethal snap kick. They began cheering for Maia when he landed a few quality blows. It even got uglier as chants of GSP (Welterweight Champion Georges St. Pierre), who was sitting octagon side, filled the Middle East venue. Silva, willing to cut weight from 185 to 170 pounds for a possible super-fight against GSP, might have cost himself that opportunity. His antics angered UFC president Dana White, and he doesn’t think the Brazilian deserves a shot at GSP’s title, sources cited.

I agree with White’s sentiment, as Siva did not fight like a champion. Let’s see how this plays out.

Matt Hughes Defeats Renzo Gracie

The first round was pretty even as both competitors were getting a feel for each other. Knowing Gracie is very difficult to take to the canvas, Hughes began to employ bruising kicks to the lower legs in order to wear down the Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu great. It worked like a charm as the former four-time collegiate All-American obtained the upper hand in the second round. In the third round, Hughes continued to black-and-blue Gracie’s lower limbs, knocking him down twice before a flurry of hard-hitting blows ended the 43-year-old’s night.

Once again, the UFC … Bone-snapping action, Blood-splattering fun for all!