After the two went back-and-forth in a "Fight of the Year" contender at UFC 171 earlier this year, Johny Hendricks and Robbie Lawler got back together to do it again in the main event of UFC 181 tonight (Sat., Dec. 6, 2014) at the Mandalay Bay Events Center in Las Vegas, Nevada.
It wasn't anything like the first bout.
It was even crazier.
That's because Lawler was awarded a split decision victory on scores of 48-47, 47-48, and 49-46. He did so with a furious start and a vicious, violent finish. That said, there are many questions to be asked about the three rounds between the first and the fifth.
During that span, Hendricks scored five takedowns (an admittedly low amount considering he attempted 17) and outpaced Lawler in sheer volume of striking nearly 2-to-1. "Ruthless" appeared to be relatively low on fuel and/or conserving energy to such a degree that he wasn't firing off with his usual offensive output.
It was close.
It was really, really close.
This one will be debated for some time to come. Your thoughts, Maniacs?
For more on "Hendricks vs. Lawler" click here, and for complete UFC 181 results and coverage click here.