UFC 132 was a big event for the Ultimate Fighting Championship for many different reasons. The main card featured a number of fights that shook up the organization’s weight divisions, and provided entertainment to fans around the world. The main event showcased the bantamweight division, which before then had not been given the big stage in the organization. By the end of the evening, both Urijah Faber and Dominick Cruz’s fan bases had grown, and the two fighters showed that the lighter weights are a welcome addition to the fold.
While the debate about the winner or the scorecards will rage on for weeks to come, one fact is very apparent: both of these fighters came to win while giving the fans a show. From the very start, Faber and Cruz moved swiftly around the cage, exchanging blows and takedown attempts at a pace that would leave most fighters gasping after the first round. Any “lull” in action was followed up by a back and forth exchange that seemed to occur at a blistering pace. At the end of it all, fans were brought to their feet in appreciation.
Judging controversies have plagued the mixed martial arts community in recent times, and seem to occur at least once an event. Saturday night’s main event showcased just how hard the job of MMA judge actually can be. As the back and forth battle raged on from round to round, debates sprung up about which fighter was winning the fight. None of the viewers in my area had any links to either the champion or the contender, but arguments for both fighters were posed. Commentator Joe Rogan stated that the decision in this bout needed to be made by individuals who are well educated in the sport. But even with that education in MMA, I felt that the decision was going to be hard to make either way.
Cruz earned the unanimous decision victory with scores of 50-45, 49-46 and 48-47. The first two scorecards shocked some individuals, who believed the fight was much closer, and those scores will be the topic of much discussion. A viewer can “make the case” for either fighter based on multiple points of action throughout the fight, however that doesn’t matter. The official cards are what they are, and the fight has been added to the record books.
Still, I hope that fans will not only appreciate the Faber-Cruz matchup for the back and forth action and pace, but as a testament to how hard judging can actually be in mixed martial arts. As a competitor, fan, and employee of the business, I’m fully thankful for not only what the fighters did in the cage, but for the fact that I didn’t have to judge the outcome.
