Sometimes, the sequel is better than the original.
The main event at UFC 181 on Saturday was teed up as the Terminator 2 of 2014. Even though the original bout back in March between Johny Hendricks and Robbie Lawler, which resulted in a close decision win and the vacant welterweight title for Hendricks, was considered one of the best fights of the year, there were thoughts that the rematch could surpass it.
After all, Hendricks, we later learned, fought with a torn biceps. And since that setback, Lawler has been on a bit of a tear, looking better than he ever had as he ripped through Jake Ellenberger and then Matt Brown while Hendricks idled on the sidelines.
And that was only the first of the evening’s two title fights. Anthony Pettis, the reigning lightweight champ, also returned from a lengthy layoff. The dynamic knockout artist came back after 16 months away to try and defend his UFC strap for the first time, and did so against Gilbert Melendez, the former Strikeforce and WEC champ who coached against Pettis on the most recent season of The Ultimate Fighter.
And this was only the beginning. Did someone say CM Punk? Oh yes.
As always, the final stat lines only reveal so much. Here are the real winners and losers from a glitzy Saturday night in glamorous Las Vegas.