STEROID
02-05-2012, 02:10 PM
Matt Riddle edges hard-hitting Henry Martinez via split decision
http://img210.imageshack.us/img210/5603/50446707.jpg (http://bodybuilderselite.com/bbelite/redirect-to/?redirect=http%3A%2F%2Fimg210.imageshack.us%2Fimg2 10%2F5603%2F50446707.jpg)
Taking a fight on a week's notice and in a heavier weight class is usually a surefire recipe for disaster.
For UFC newcomer Henry Martinez, it proved an opportunity to prove his big-show worthiness, but he ultimately suffered a close split-decision defeat to welterweight Matt Riddle.
The preliminary-card bout was part of UFC 143 and aired on FX following additional prelims on Facebook. The main card aired on pay-per-view from Las Vegas' Mandalay Bay Events Center.
Although traditionally a lightweight fighter and clearly undersized for Riddle, Martinez quickly displayed stellar striking and footwork, and he landed a series of power shots in the first round. Riddle remained active, but Martinez moved forward fearlessly, was quicker to the punch, and opened some facial cuts while winning the round.
Riddle attempted to close the distance in the second round, but Martinez easily shook him off and landed counter-punches. Left-right combinations were especially effective, and the speed of his punches troubled Riddle. Not until he landed some bruising body kicks and knees did Riddle create some problems for his opponent. Riddle's late rally left the round a toss-up (and it ultimately proved to be the deciding frame).
Riddle's kicks – both to the legs and body – were the story of the third round, and Martinez clearly was slowed by the damage of them, which left his ribs and legs badly bruised. Martinez continued landing with punches, but Riddle shot and scored a pair of takedowns, and he closed out the fight with some heavy ground and pound.
The second-round rally and third-round dominance carried Riddle to a close split-decision win via 29-28, 28-29 and 29-28 scores.
"This fight was a war, but it's nice to be back on the winning end again," he said. "Henry hit hard, and his hands were quick. I was impressed by him, and that's why I picked it up in the second and third rounds."
Riddle (6-3 MMA, 6-3 UFC) snaps a two-fight losing skid and likely saved his job with the win. Martinez (8-2 MMA, 0-1 UFC), meanwhile, should earn a second UFC fight – preferably one at 155 pounds – with the solid debut.
http://img210.imageshack.us/img210/5603/50446707.jpg (http://bodybuilderselite.com/bbelite/redirect-to/?redirect=http%3A%2F%2Fimg210.imageshack.us%2Fimg2 10%2F5603%2F50446707.jpg)
Taking a fight on a week's notice and in a heavier weight class is usually a surefire recipe for disaster.
For UFC newcomer Henry Martinez, it proved an opportunity to prove his big-show worthiness, but he ultimately suffered a close split-decision defeat to welterweight Matt Riddle.
The preliminary-card bout was part of UFC 143 and aired on FX following additional prelims on Facebook. The main card aired on pay-per-view from Las Vegas' Mandalay Bay Events Center.
Although traditionally a lightweight fighter and clearly undersized for Riddle, Martinez quickly displayed stellar striking and footwork, and he landed a series of power shots in the first round. Riddle remained active, but Martinez moved forward fearlessly, was quicker to the punch, and opened some facial cuts while winning the round.
Riddle attempted to close the distance in the second round, but Martinez easily shook him off and landed counter-punches. Left-right combinations were especially effective, and the speed of his punches troubled Riddle. Not until he landed some bruising body kicks and knees did Riddle create some problems for his opponent. Riddle's late rally left the round a toss-up (and it ultimately proved to be the deciding frame).
Riddle's kicks – both to the legs and body – were the story of the third round, and Martinez clearly was slowed by the damage of them, which left his ribs and legs badly bruised. Martinez continued landing with punches, but Riddle shot and scored a pair of takedowns, and he closed out the fight with some heavy ground and pound.
The second-round rally and third-round dominance carried Riddle to a close split-decision win via 29-28, 28-29 and 29-28 scores.
"This fight was a war, but it's nice to be back on the winning end again," he said. "Henry hit hard, and his hands were quick. I was impressed by him, and that's why I picked it up in the second and third rounds."
Riddle (6-3 MMA, 6-3 UFC) snaps a two-fight losing skid and likely saved his job with the win. Martinez (8-2 MMA, 0-1 UFC), meanwhile, should earn a second UFC fight – preferably one at 155 pounds – with the solid debut.