Evans edges out victory

Rashad Evans eked out a split decision victory over Dan Henderson at UFC 161 as "Suga" halted the worst run of his career.

In a fight that neither man could afford to lose, it was "Hendo" who came up short for the second fight running, as the judges ruled in Evans' favour following a back-and-forth three rounds.

Evans, having previously suffered just one loss in 19, entered the June 15 showdown on a two-fight losing run and desperately needed a win to remain remotely in UFC light-heavyweight title contention.

Following a largely tentative first round, which did at one point see Evans staggered by a Henderson left, it was "Suga" who seized the initiative in the second, working combinations that left their mark on Henderson.

A relatively even third round left the judges with a tough call, but the work-rate of Evans was enough for the 33-year-old to return to winning ways.

Following the decision, Evans paid tribute to his opponent who fell well out of title talk in the process.

"Only fools rush in on Dan Henderson," Evans said. "He's the kind of guy that when he's hurt he can still land a good shot, so I had to be careful."

While Henderson's quest to face champion Jon Jones is seemingly all but over, the option to drop down to the middleweight division is one that intrigues the former Olympian.

"I'd consider it. I don't feel weak or overpowered at 205 so I would consider (185). I weighed in at 204 (for this fight) and didn't miss a meal," said Henderson.

Dominant

In the night's co-main event, Stipe Miocic chalked up the biggest win of his UFC career as he took home a unanimous decision against Roy Nelson.

Nelson was heavy favourite ahead of the fight, but Miocic's movement, precise striking and excellent footwork left "Big Country" frustrated and close to exhaustion.

UFC president Dana White confirmed at the post-fight press conference that Nelson took such a beating that it broke the company record.

"Roy Nelson broke a UFC record tonight," White said. "437 significant strikes absorbed without being knocked out. It's a new UFC record."

Junior dos Santos and Fabricio Werdum contributed to that total, but Nelson, now without a UFC contract, faces an uncertain future after one of the more humbling defeats of his career.

Elsewhere, Ryan Jimmo secured a forgettable decision victory over Igor Pokrajac, Alexis Davis' exhausting three-round war with Rosi Sexton saw the former triumph via decision, while Shawn Jordon knocked out Pat Berry in 59 seconds.

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