UFC 143 Live: Matt Riddle vs Henry Martinez

by Dr. Octagon, J.D.

Henry Martinez is fighting up a weight class. He usually fights at 155 lbs, but tonight he is fighting at 170. He looks much smaller and softer than Matt Riddle.

Round 1-Martinez is winning the exchanges on the feet. He’s quicker and his striking looks more precise. Martinez is landing a ton of head shots. Riddle’s face is bleeding pretty badly, he just misses a knee as the round ends.

I’m scoring that one 10-9 Martinez

Round 2-Riddle half-heartedly tries to shoot, but doesn’t come close to landing it. I like how Martinez is tucking his chin. Riddle came in and found a left to his face.  Riddle comes in again and gets popped again. I don’t know why Riddle has to put himself in harm’s way, it looks like he has a massive reach advantage. If he could just properly judge the distance, he should be able to hang out and pick away at Martinez.

Instead, Martinez continues to score with crisp shots to Riddle’s head. It’s only a matter of time before one of those punches connects in the right spot. Riddle catches another shot that looked totally vicious. Riddle has quite the chin on him, but he leaves it hanging out there. Martinez shoots and lands a right while Riddle shakes him off. Riddle has really not mounted much offense, except for a few nice body kicks. Riddle comes forward with a flurry of shots as the round ends. It looks like he cut Martinez.

10-9 Martinez.

Round 3-Riddle is going to have to step it up in Round thre if he’s going to win this fight. Martinez lands a few punches as Riddle kicks. Riddle lands a nice left. Riddle kicks again and eats another fist. Riddle’s face is a mess. Riddle comes forward, but Martinez fights him off.

Riddle with another nice kick, but he isn’t going to win the fight with body kicks. Martinez throws a kick, Riddle catches it, and takes it to the ground. Riddle is up on Martinez’ back with a body triangle, he’s landing elbows to the head. Martinez able to stand.

Riddle lands a head kick as the fighters disengage. Riddle shoots and gets another takedown, but he’s still in Henry’s guard and there isn’t a lot of time left. Riddle is teeing off on top, really trying to win this one in the third. He has plenty of gas left in his tank and wins the round.

10-9 Riddle wins the third.

I have this one 29-28 Martinez and the judges should too, as long as they value punches to the face over body kicks.

29-28 Riddle by split decision. I don’t agree with that at all. Terrible decision.