For those still digesting the outcome of tonight's main event between Welterweight Champion Georges St.-Pierre and the #1 contender Johny Hendricks, you are NOT alone. The social media stratosphere has blown up with angry tweets, posts and conspiracy theories. Even UFC President Dana White, speaking truthfully, called out the judges and even the Nevada State Athletic Commission, commenting on how he was "blown away" that GSP won the fight . (Two judges scored the fight 48-47 in favor of St.-Pierre, with the third judge scoring the fight 48-47 in favor of Hendricks, thus awarding the fight to St.-Pierre by split decision) So why all the fuss? Hendricks, a former NCAA Division 1 National Champion with knockout power and a dangerous striking repertoire, was ahead on many fans scorecards heading into the final round. (For all the proof you need, just check twitter tweets as the fight was progressing) Hendricks clearly won the first two rounds, with vicious elbows and power punches leaving the champion bloodied and hobbled. GSP fought back to claim round three, but round four was seemingly decisive for the challenger. Punches and elbows from the top position left the champion a bloody mess, and barring any major catastrophe, we were all set to crown a new Welterweight Champion. While Hendricks landed minimal punches (or a punch) in the final round, he looked more like he was set to begin a fight than a fighter who just went 5 rounds with the best pound for pound fighter in the world. Seemingly physically unscathed, you saw the challenger drop to knees at the referees decision-and most fans felt that something was amiss.
In full disclosure, I am a HUGE GSP fan. Since my introduction into the world of Mixed Martial Arts, Georges St.-Pierre has been my favorite fighter, hands down. I just feel that Johny "Bigg Rigg" Hendricks was the better fighter at UFC 167. And the fact that he is not leaving Las Vegas with the Welterweight title had me thinking about how something so obvious could be so imperceptible.
The post title to this entry merely pokes fun at the 1997 Survivor Series debacle (or genius PR move) involving Bret "Hitman" Hart, "The Heartbreak Kid" Shawn Michaels, Vince McMahon and Earl Hebner-playing to the Montreal connection and its kayfabe repercussions. Was this a fix? Most likely not, just a scoring mishap, and at one of the worst times. UFC is in the midst of celebrating its 20th anniversary-last nights PPV was dubbed the "20th Anniversary Show." Reports circulating online indicated that this PPV was by all accounts "the most in demand event in the promotions history." A strong undercard, with trash-talking pro wrestling-esque heel Chael Sonnen, former Light Heavyweight Champion Rashad Evans, and Rory MacDonald doesn't exactly hinder box office shattering sales and interest. However, an unpopular and maybe "erroneous" decision is not something that you want to overshadow a banner event for the company...or is it? There is the old saying that "any publicity is good publicity." The topic of the main event finish is mainstream news, even as I sit here at 4:10AM ET the morning after. Despite what you read online, I don't think there was any fix in for this fight at all. Sure, rumors of St.-Pierre retiring or taking time away from the sport he has dominated since becoming Welterweight Champion 84 PPV's ago may sit in peoples minds as having a potential impact on the finish. However, that wouldn't make total sense. St. Pierre is a major fan favorite. Even after taking a massive beating and escaping with a questionable split decision, fans still booed Hendricks. For a potential rematch, which is more must-see TV? Hendricks, the underdog in the peoples minds and hearts, fighting to prove he was wronged in the first fight? Or, the former champion fighting to reclaim his place among the sports all time greats and show he is still the best in the world? Ill go with the latter. This is all irrelevant because fighting isn't scripted-as much as people may want to think there are conspiracies that go on behind the scenes and unfold in the octagon, this is not pro wrestling. There are generally not real heels. I will never argue with the motto "Controversy Creates Cash," but there is no need to use under-handed score keeping to generate interest for the king of PPV while placing its integrity directly and advertently in the public eye. So put those conspiracy theories away and continue to enjoy one of the up and coming sports in the world. Even if two judges scored round one for the champion. Happy 20th.
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