The main event at UFC 171 was for the vacant welterweight championship, as Robbie Lawler faced-off with Johny Hendricks.
Lawler rushed in with a combination to start the round, but the two separated very quickly. The two traded on a number of occasions, but nothing significant in the first round. The head movement of both men in the first frame was outstanding, and neither landed a takedown.
Hendricks began to land at will in the second round, but Lawler continued to push forward. Midway through the round, Lawler’s gas tank looked to be dwindling. The two stood toe-to-toe and just traded punches, but nothing heavy. Hendricks landed numerous shots at the end of the round and Lawler finished with a flush left hand.
The leg kicks early were landing for Lawler, and Hendricks followed up with a few pitter patter shots of his own. Lawler landed numerous heavy bombs that had Hendricks on wobbly street, but it seemed like the “beard power’ kept him in it. A failed takedown attempt by Hendricks was followed by a number of big punches by both men. The round finished with both men standing face to face in the center of the Octagon.
Lawler began the fourth round by stalking Hendricks and landing numerous punches to the head. Lawler just shrugged off a takedown attempt by Hendricks. “Big Rigg’ was bleeding from the eye and seemed very worried about it midway through the round. A stiff uppercut landed by Lawler, but Hendricks was able to follow up with a combination of his own. Hendricks got his first takedown with ten-seconds left in the round.
Lawler started the round with a jab and Hendricks answered with one of his own. A giant left hook landed for Lawler, but Hendricks was able to continue pushing forward. Hendricks was grinding for a takedown up against the cage, but Lawler defended well. The referee decided to separate the two after a one-minute grind against the cage. The two stood in the pocket and literally traded power punches for a couple of minutes, until Hendricks landed some big shots and took Lawler down against the cage. The final frame finished with Hendricks on top of Lawler against the cage.
Official Result: Johny Hendricks def. Robbie Lawler via Unanimous Decision (48-47, 48-47, 48-47)
Check out full UFC 171 results HERE.
