- Video
-
Club Roar
Captured a great grassroots sporting moment? We want to see it!Content Collections
The Roar Community
- Join
- Login
Robbie Lawler (25-10 MMA, 10-4 UFC) has shocked the world and completed his career resurgence by capturing the welterweight title in the main event of UFC 181.
The journeyman narrowly edged the former champion Johny Hendricks (16-3 MMA, 11-3 UFC) in a closely fought encounter.
In their first fight back at UFC 171, both Hendricks and Lawler put everything they had into every devastating strike and put on one of the most epic title fights in UFC history.
UFC 181 looked like it was going to end differently as Hendricks appeared to be in control of the contest heading into the final round.
The champion then decided to slow down his output, while looking to secure takedowns and edge time off the clock. Lawler on the other hand, looked more like a rabid animal, and went out guns blazing – putting everything he had into damaging high kicks and punches.
When all was said and done, Bruce Buffer sent the welterweight title picture into limbo by declaring a new World Champion.
Although some of the scoring may have been questionable, it is hard to argue against the fact that Lawler pushed the pace and refused to go down quietly, and he deserves to be called a champion.
With the victory “Ruthless” radically changes the dynamic of the Welterweight division. Rising Canadian protégé Rory McDonald (18-2 MMA, 9-2 UFC) has been named the number one contender. McDonald is currently riding a three-fight winning streak with wins over Demian Maia, Tyron Woodley and Tarec Saffedine.
However, UFC President Dana White is open to a Lawler–Hendricks trilogy, “The trilogy wouldn’t be a bad idea,” he said at the post-fight news conference. He was also unsure if McDonald should be regarded as the next challenger.
For that reason, Hendricks–Lawler needs three needs to happen. There is too much controversy surrounding the outcome of this fight and too much intrigue in a third fight to not warrant it.
There is no doubt that McDonald has looked incredible since he narrowly lost a split decision to Lawler. That 2013 fight produced a similar, surprising outcome that ended with Lawler hunting McDonald down and refusing to let the young Canadian strike from a distance, in his typical methodical fashion.
Hendricks has made no excuses for why he is no longer the 170-pound kingpin, his assessment of his performance is simple, “I didn’t fight.”
There is no doubt that should Hendricks and Lawler face off for the third time, “Big Rig” would fight until the end and not just rely on his wrestling base. A similar result to their first thriller at UFC 171 would surely ensue.
Hendrick’s should be entitled to an immediate rematch, he was the champion and lost a narrow, controversial decision to a man he had beaten to become champion.
Lawler also needs to solidify his championship and look to earn a more decisive victory over Hendricks. Once the two settle their business, the stage will be set for Rory McDonald to take his long awaited title shot.
What’s your best bet? For great odds on all your favourite sports check out PlayUp. Chances are you’re about to lose. Set a deposit limit.