CATHAL PENDRED HAS scored his third UFC triumph tonight in Boston — but there were a few raised eyebrows afterwards.
Pendred and Sean Spencer went the distance in the final bout of the UFC Fight Night 59 preliminary card, and the judges awarded the unanimous decision to the Irishman on scores of 30-27, 29-28, 30-27.
However, many were surprised to see the result going Pendred’s way. On the live broadcast, UFC commentator Joe Rogan said: “I don’t know what to say because I’ve just seen somebody get robbed.”
UFC President Dana White agreed with Rogan’s sentiments, but it matters little to Pendred who is now 3-0 in the UFC, 16-2-1 for his career and carrying an undefeated streak that spans eleven bouts, stretching back to 2010.
Pendred began and ended the opening round by succeeding with takedown attempts, but he was unable to make the most of the resultant position and Spencer soon found himself upright on both occasions.
But the main talking point of the first round was a flurry of big punches from Spencer that sent Pendred to the canvas. The Dubliner looked to be in trouble but displayed incredible toughness and heart, as has become his trademark, to withstand the onslaught and regroup.
The second round was competitive and Pendred finished it strongly, attempting a kimura in the closing stages but Spencer was able to escape before the buzzer. It was a tight third round, but Spencer seemed sure that he’d done enough when the buzzer sounded.
However, it ended with a second win of the night for Ireland. Pendred’s SBG team-mate Paddy Holohan got the Irish off to a positive start earlier in the evening at UFC Boston. The Tallaght flyweight comprehensively overcame Shane Howell via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27).
