UFC 144 went down at the Saitama Super Arena in Saitama, Japan in the promotions first visit in twelve-years.
“Fight of the Night” was awarded to Henderson and Edgar for their five round lightweight title match, which saw both fighters push the pace through twenty-five minutes of action. In the end, the judges would score the bout 49-46, 49-46 and 48-47 naming Henderson as the new UFC lightweight champion.
With several flashy knockout wins on the card, it was ‘Showtime’ Pettis who would earn the “Knockout of the Night” bonus. Pettis would end the fight early by stopping opponent Joe Lauzon with a head kick at 1:21 of the first round to pick up his first UFC bonus.
Pettis may have also earned himself a rematch with Henderson, as White stated “I think he’s going to get it,” when asked if a rematch between the two former WEC champs was in order after tonight’s performances.
With only one submission on the night, Vaughan Lee was a shoe in for the “Submission of the Night” bonus for his late first round armbar sub of opponent Norifumi ‘Kid’ Yamamoto, picking up his first win in the Octagon. It was also the first time Yamamoto had ever lost via submission.
