Robbie Lawler retains UFC welterweight title beating Carlos Condit via split decision

He’s said in the past that UFC fights should be scored like PRIDE where judges score it based on the whole fight, with emphasis on the last round, rather than a round-by-round basis.

The packed crowd at the annual New Year’s weekend card immersed Condit in a standing ovation after he survived a vicious attack from Lawler in the final two minutes of the fight.

“When was the last time you saw either one of these guys in really a boring fight?” Little could they know, however, what was swirling through the 31-year-old challenger’s mind.

On one hand, it was technical and tactical, with both fighters picking their spots.

Condit said he believed he broke a toe in the bout.

The fight, as good as it was, may be most remembered for its controversy.

There probably is a better one, however.

After taking down Nick Diaz to become the division’s interim champion in February of 2012, Condit lost his first title shot to Georges St. Pierre by unanimous decision the following November at UFC 154. Though that may not sit well with some other contenders in the field, it might be the only just move going forward.

Condit was disappointed, but not surprised, after losing for the fourth time in six fights despite landing 198 strikes to 78 for the champion. I don’t know. Tonight was kind of a do-or-die moment for my career, I feel like, and I was all in. I was all in. If I got that strap I was going to keep fighting.

Carlos Condit for the UFC Welterweight Championship.

If Condit, who received well-deserved plaudits for his performance on Saturday night, does choose to make this his final fight, he’ll do so with his head held high.

Robbie Lawler remains the No. 1 welterweight in the world after almost being dethroned by Carlos Condit at UFC 195.

There are some losses that just sting a bit more.

In 2014, Condit suffered an ACL injury during his fight against Tyron Woodley, forcing him out of action for a year. He had a great game plan. “There were two winners tonight”. For Lawler to win the fight, he will need to control the distance.

Should Condit decide to continue, there is a possibility he would be granted an immediate rematch – given the controversial nature of this bout.

“[Lawler]’s our Evander Holyfield man, right?” On Saturday night January 2nd, 2016, both fighters will never be forgotten. As heavyweight fights often go, this one ended quick as Miocic finished the former champion with punches in the first round.

“Who the hell was going to say no to him?”

However, the only thing anyone could talk about was the verdict of the judges’ decision. He’s a champion, win or lose.