‘Awesome’ UFC 195 fight between Lawler, Condit mandates rematch

In the night’s featured pay-per-view attraction at Las Vegas’ MGM Grand Garden Arena, welterweight champion (27-10 MMA, 12-4 UFC) defended his title for a second time after narrowly edging (30-9 MMA, 7-5 UFC) via.

Condit rocked Lawler several times, particularly in the first half of the fight, and seemed to be the one doing more damage even though Lawler has the reputation as the heavier puncher.

Robbie Lawler got the nod in a split decision victory over Carlos Condit to keep his welterweight championship at UFC 195. Condit appeared to be in control, but Lawler continued pressure and started to land in the closing minutes. He had a great game plan.

Robbie Lawler, left, fights Carlos Condit during the welterweight championship bout at UFC 195. “I thought I won rounds two and five”. Their action in the octagon does that for them, and I think that’s why it’s such an unbelievable matchup. Lawler will have someone willing to stand in front of him and go tit-for-tat with him on the feet, and Condit won’t have someone looking to put him on his back.

For now both Woodley and Condit will have to wait considering Lawler is the champion and his health will ultimately determine the timing for any potential title fights.

The Natural Born Killer was at his unpredictable best as he pulled out a string of innovative combos to land a majority of the strikes, yet, a final flurry from Ruthless – that nearly floored Condit – tipped the judges’ decision in favor of Lawler.

“I did all I could to get the victory”. The former title contender took Masanori Kanehara’s back early in the second frame and locked on a rear-naked choke that forced the Japanese fighter to tap out.

Both champion and challenger have spoken at length about the “fireworks”, now it’s time for UFC’s New Year celebration to begin.

Lawler was correct in that neither man lost, as Condit’s stock had to go up even in defeat. I think he’s OK with it. I think he’s willing to brawl with anyone.

“I’m proud of the way I fought”.

On the UFC 195 Fight Pass, Dustin Poirier and Joseph Duffy finally get to step inside the cage against one another after their UFC Fight Pass headliner was canceled due to a Duffy concussion.

The 33-year-old has been stopped just twice in his 16 fights and is looking in good shape following strong knockout wins over Arlovski and Mark Hunt before him, so his next opponent will need to be in top form to retain their title.

Lorenz Larkin destroyed Albert Tumenov’s lead left leg and probably did enough to win a split decision, but Tumenov’s volume and power earned him the win.