Lawler thwarts Condit, keeps UFC welter title

LAS VEGAS (AP) – Robbie Lawler defended his UFC welterweight belt with a bruising split-decision victory over Carlos Condit at UFC 195 on Saturday night.

Condit, the former interim welterweight champion, who lost his share to then-champion Georges St-Pierre three years ago, was more impressive in this title chance.

Lawler (27-10) defeated Condit (30-9) by split decision (48-47, 48-47, 47-48) to retain the UFC welterweight championship. “He was everything everyone said he was”, Lawler said in an interview according to MMA Junkie.

Lawler also said he’d be open to a rematch, which could prolong Tyron Woodley’s wait for a shot at the belt.

Poirier executed a ideal game plan, using his quickness and explosive striking to keep Duffy off balance before outwrestling the Irishman.

Carlos Condit admitted he is considering retirement from UFC after suffering a close loss against welterweight champion Robbie Lawler at UFC 195 in Las Vegas. Despite Condit out-landing Lawler in the deciding middle frame, two of the three judges awarded the round to the champion, giving more weight to the few powerful strikes he connected with over the challenger landing at a higher clip, but with less pop, and pressing forward for the majority of the round. The third round was the only one in dispute on the judges’ scorecards, with Lawler getting the nod on two cards despite Condit’s 22 strikes to Lawler’s 10, which included a vicious elbow.

Perhaps this is simply what goes through a fighter’s mind after a big career disappointment.

After the fight, Lawler paid tribute to his opponent, saying: “Carlos is so tough”. However, I favor Lawler here as he has suffered drastic punishment in the Octagon, and seemed to get better from it.

“It’s a fight. They’re going to lock us in the cage and me and Robbie Lawler are going to try to kill each other”, Condit said. “If I didn’t, like I didn’t, I’d have to see if I can continue”.

Off an excellently timed combination, Condit’s uppercut was able to drop Lawler to the canvas before tagging more punches that were augmented by a straight right.

“Come on, give me shot”. He’s been doing it a long time. You can’t make these types of fights right after the (first) fight.

“It’s hard to move on from a fight like that but mentality wise it’s like, ‘OK, I did some great stuff and I showed some heart but it’s you just have to be a professional.’ I can’t pat myself on the back for seven months and think that’s just going to get me another victory. And, I like I said, I feel very, very confident”. “I respect both guys a lot, and we’ll see what happens”.