Benson Henderson beats Frankie Edgar at UFC 150

Benson Henderson held on to his lightweight belt at UFC 150 on Saturday night, but just barely.

The Colorado Springs native beat New Jersey’s Frankie Edgar in a split decision -- 48-47, 48-47, 46-49 -- much to the displeasure of the Denver crowd, whose favor seemed to shift toward Edgar during the match.

Henderson claimed the belt from Edgar back in February, and it was tough to tell just who would leave with it this time around. Both fighters landed punishing punches and kicks and nearly submitted each other with choke holds.

But Henderson (17-2) held an 89-62 advantage in significant punches, which may have made the difference in the match. It did not, however, seem to make a difference to the crowd, which rained boos upon the defending champion when the decision was announced.

Edgar (14-3-1), too, was visibly upset at the outcome. Although he had a nosebleed after a right hand from Henderson in the second, Edgar never seemed affected by the blood, landing a number of takedowns and dropping Henderson with a right hand of his own.

Henderson will defend his title next against Nate Diaz (16-7).

In the co-main event, Donald Cerrone connected with a left kick to the head and a right hook to beat Melvin Guillard in just 1:16.

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The Associated Press contributed to this report.