Denny Burkholder

Here we go: Hermes Franca vs. Frankie Edgar.

Round 1: Edgar takes down Franca immediately. Franca's hair is turquoise tonight, for those keeping score. Edgar with ground and pound. Edgar throwing punches and elbows, alternating between standing up and striking down, and striking from inside Franca's guard. Franca catches an armbar out of nowhere and Edgar escapes. Back in Franca's guard. Franca with an upkick and he's back to his feet. Franca with a knee and an uppercut. Edgar takes him down again. Edgar with more good punches from Franca's guard. Franca is trying for that arm again. The round ends and Franca has a slight bloody nose and mouse under his left eye. I give it to Edgar, 10-9.

Round 2: They trade punches, with Edgar landing some nice combos. Takedown by Edgar. Edgar with about four good lefts to Franca's face. Edgar lands more shots. He stands up and throws a few bombs down at Franca. Back in Franca's guard. Edgar stands and Franca rolls backward into a turtle position. Edgar back on the mat throwing punches. Franca spins onto his back and takes guard again. A few more shots by Edgar. Franca scrambles back to his feet. After a brief standup exchange, Edgar scores another takedown. The constant pounding is taking a toll on Franca. His face is swollen as the round ends. I'd call that round 10-8 for Edgar, so I score the fight 20-17 heading into Round 3.

Round 3: Hermes Franca comes out swinging. He knows this is it. He lands some knees and tries for a kneebar but winds up holding Edgar in guard again. Back to his feet and Franca throws a head kick. Another takedown by Edgar. Franca struggling to get back to his feet but Edgar is on him at all times. Back to guard. Franca pushes Edgar's hips with his feet and attempts a sweep, but Edgar gets him back to guard. Back to their feet. Edgar with a nice body kick. Franca cracks Edgar with a strong knee to the head that rocks Edgar. Edgar has the presence to take Franca down immediately and avoid more damage as the time runs out. 10-9 Edgar, so I'd score the fight 30-26 for Edgar. I give Franca credit though. Lots of guts.

Winner: Frankie Edgar defeats Hermes Franca via unanimous decision (30-27 all around) after three rounds.