Hendricks was out quickly in the final frame but Lawler answered back. It took just 30 seconds for the champion to shoot for a takedown this time, and the crowd showered him with boos for it.
He managed to work nearly a minute off the clock before the referee called for a separation.
It didn't take long, however, for Hendricks to simply grab another takedown and force another stalemate. The referee allowed just about the same amount of time to go by before separating the two again.
And, once again, Hendricks pissed off the audience by shooting in for another takedown. He got it, and he held on for dear life once again while Lawler landed elbow after elbow after elbow. Once they got back to their feet, Lawler fired away with huge shots.
He was vicious in his assault, and Hendricks was lucky to make it to the final horn.
Judges scores: 48-47, 47-48, 49-46, a split decision.
ROBBIE LAWLER DEF. JOHNY HENDRICKS TO WIN UFC WELTERWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP
For more on "Hendricks vs. Lawler" click here, and for complete UFC 181 results and coverage click here.
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