The UFC's welterweight division just went on to be the wildest weight class in mixed martial arts.
After the title changed hands early this year when Johny Hendricks defeated Robbie Lawler by a razor thin split decision at UFC 171 in March, the company decided to match both guys again for the title. This time, the outcome came out differently.
In what was perceived to be a fight rooted from unfinished business, the action immediately fired up as soon as the opening bell of round six rang in. Lawler quickly threw in combination punches and closed the distance, putting pressure on Hendricks.
But to his credit, "Bigg Rigg" was able to show a more versatile side of his game, mixing up his strikes and not limiting them to punches alone. He also threw hard outside leg kicks, aiming to stagger Lawler's movements. However, as the action went on, it was the sheer aggression and never-say-die mantra of "Ruthless" that slowly but surely emerged.
However, as the fight progressed, it seemed as if Hendricks was not able to keep the fast-paced action, as he began showing signs of slowing down. In a report by MMAFighting.com, the now former champion mainly relied on front kicks, not to keep his opponent at bay, but rather to push Lawler towards the fence and pin him against it to shave some seconds off the clock.
The fifth and final round was all Robbie Lawler. The relentlessness in his attacks came at the perfect time, as Hendricks had absolutely no answer for them. As the minutes winded down, Lawler's aggression and intent to knock his opponent out further strengthened, resulting to a bloodied up Johny Hendricks to close the fight.
In the end, the nod was given to Robbie Lawler, the new UFC welterweight champion, by another split decision verdict.
Lawler now improves to a record of 25-10 with one no contest, while Hendriks drops to a record of 16-3.
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