Vera wins

Mixed martial arts is still in its infancy, but just like its older brother, boxing, the sport sometimes struggles to define what truly wins a fight that goes to decision. What gets rewarded? In the striking game, is it volume or the harder shots? When grappling, is it control or defense?

Brandon Vera thought he had done enough by landing the harder shots and exhibiting good takedown defense to pull out a huge win over the legendary Randy Couture. The judges disagreed. They gave a unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28) win to Couture. Cagewriter scored it 30-28 for Vera.

The disappointed Vera left the Octagon when he heard the decision, and sat cageside on the steps. After that, he handled things with class, immediately stepping back in to speak with UFC color analyst Joe Rogan.

"I still don't know. What the hell? Thanks judges," Vera said of the decision.

Vera didn't gripe too strongly beyond that.

"I thought I won. I left it all out there. I gave it to Randy that best that I could. I don't know man, I don't know."