Referee Josh Rosenthal explains third round gaffe in 'Henderson vs Shogun' fight

UFC 139: "Henderson vs. Shogun" went down last Saturday night (Nov. 19, 2011) at the HP Pavilion in San Jose, California, featuring a unanimous decision win for Dan Henderson following a three five round bloodbath that was not only "Fight of the Night," but perhaps of the year, as well.

What would have been a three round lopsided win for "Hendo" became an unlikely comeback for "Shogun," who stunned the former Olympian with his Axel Stone-inspired Dragon Smash in the fourth frame.

Round five, which many argued in favor of the Brazilian 10-8, not only made it a much closer (and much greater) fight, but supports the promotion's recent decision to increase all televised main events from three rounds to five.

Unfortunately nobody told referee Josh Rosenthal (via MMA.tv), who warned the San Jose headliners that round three would be their last. Whoops!

Here's why:


"Thanks for all the support and kind words, i truly appreciate it. As far as the "last Round" comment, my paper work for the fight said 3 rounds, My bad. Funny though when Dan told me 3 more rounds. It was an true honor to officiate over true legends of our sport. They both showed how great their hearts are."

After Rosenthal instructed his fighters that round three would be for all the marbles, Henderson was good enough to remind him that in fact, it wasn't, prompting a chuckle out of UFC commentators Mike Goldberg and Joe Rogan.

via:sbnation