When Johny Hendricks outlasted Robbie Lawler in March to win the UFC welterweight title in one of the fights of the year, it was obvious a rematch would quickly follow. But as it turns out, they won’t even have to wait until next year.
Hendricks will aim to defend his belt for the first time in UFC 181 Saturday night against Lawler, the very same opponent he topped to win the vacant title. And if their five-round showdown the last time out is any indication, it should be another memorable show.
UFC had to make some late adjustments to the card when middleweight champion Chris Weidman’s fight with Vitor Belfort derailed due to Weidman’s hand injury. But with Hendricks and Lawler set to go at it again on an enticing card, there won’t be any shortage of captivating action.
Let’s take a look at everything you need to know for UFC 181.
When: Saturday, Dec. 6
Where: Mandalay Bay Events Center, Las Vegas
Start Time (ET): 10 p.m.
Odds (via Odds Shark): Hendricks -205, Lawler +188
Hendricks vs. Lawler 2
The first time these two faced off in the Octagon, it turned into a candidate for Fight of the Year. So, it shouldn’t be surprising that the UFC jumped at making the rematch happen sooner rather than later.
With a vacant welterweight title belt on the line, stakes couldn’t have been higher when Hendricks and Lawler faced off in March. And the fighting reflected that, as the two scrapped their way to a five-round battle that Hendricks just barely won.
Although the decision was unanimous, all three judges decided on a 48-47 score. The entire championship could have swung on one round.
But the result still dropped Lawler to his first ever defeat in the UFC, and it took a TKO of Jake Ellenberger and a win over Matt Brown to get him his shot at the rematch. And if he has his way, Lawler will make a statement in the octagon Saturday, per Fox Sports’ Damon Martin:
“I’m not looking for a rivalry. I’m looking for a one-sided fight. I’m looking to dominate and he never wants to fight me again,” Lawler said. “He’s a hell of a competitor, but I’m a hell of a fighter. I’m ready for December 6.”
While Lawler has been peaking in his own game since that March fight, Hendricks has taken some much-needed time off. He fought Lawler the first time with a torn bicep, which required surgery.
But with that now taken care of and a long recovery process over, Hendricks is back to preparing like he’s the underdog, per UFC:
Hendricks’ injury undoubtedly held him back the last time around, and allowed for Lawler to dictate the pace of the fight in stand-up situations. Hendricks got Lawler to the ground enough to stay in the fight, and it eventually made the difference.
This time around, expect Lawler to do everything he can to make this another sparring showdown, staying on his feet and avoiding the inevitable takedowns. Even then, Hendricks possesses the power necessary to knock out any opponent—even the tough-jawed Lawler.
Either way, it should be a memorable fight yet again, per UFC:
Prediction
Lawler is the real deal and will do more than just hang with Hendricks, putting him on the brink early on. But while Hendricks was hampered by injury the first time around, he’ll be a full go Saturday night, which will give him the stamina to get Lawler to the ground as the fight rolls along. Nothing will come easy for Hendricks as Lawler takes aim at the upset, but he’ll learn from his mistakes in March and put Lawler away late.
Prediction: Hendricks wins via 11th-round TKO
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