Last night (July 30, 2016), Robbie Lawler and Tyron Woodley clashed at UFC 201 inside Philips Arena in Atlanta, Georgia. In a quick win, Woodley knocked out Lawler. Find out how below!
Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) Welterweight kingpin Robbie Lawler looked to defend his strap opposite Tyron Woodley last night (July 30, 2016) at UFC 201 inside Philips Arena in Atlanta, Georgia.
Lawler climbed to the top of the mountain in violent fashion, and he’s been vigorously defending his position ever since. Opposite Woodley, Lawler had the opportunity to repel another challenger and hold onto his strap a bit longer. On the other hand, Woodley has been waiting for this chance for quite some time. Returning to the cage after 18 months away from competition, this was absolutely a make-or-break moment for Woodley’s championship dreams.
After nearly a minute of movement, Lawler countered Woodley’s first charge with a hard kick and right hook. Woodley clinched up immediately and simply held on until the ref separated the two.
Suddenly, it was all over.
Woodley waited about 30 seconds before exploding into another massive right hand. This time it landed cleanly, and Lawler fell to the floor fairly limp. A few follow up punches sealed the deal, and Woodley declared himself the new champion.
This was pretty much the ideal performance for “T-Wood.” He went in there with the clear intention of landing a quick knockout, and that’s precisely what happened.
Woodley’s ability to cover distance is unique. When he bends low and explodes forward, it’s very real double threat of takedown and overhand. Lawler’s hand dipped just a bit, and that was all the opening that Woodley needed.
Next up for the new champion is Stephen Thompson, which should be a tremendous fight.
This is the unfortunate and inevitable end of Lawler’s title reign. Due to the nature of his fights, he was never likely to lose a tepid decision or be out-pointed. Win or lose, Lawler puts it all on the line and throws with the intention of ending his opponents, and he was cut short to the same sword he wields.
Power is a tricky thing.
It’s not clear what is next for Robbie Lawler, who’s been fighting for well over a decade. Perhaps he’s accomplished his goals and will retire? More likely is that the “Ruthless” one will continue to be a natural fighter and do his best to savage some other Welterweight contenders.
Maybe he’ll make it back to the title picture, but maybe not. Either way, Lawler has put on some tremendous fights and had one of the most entertaining title reigns of all time.
It’s been a fantastic journey.
At UFC 201, Tyron Woodley blasted Robbie Lawler for a first round knockout victory. How long can “T-Wood” hang onto the strap?
For complete UFC 201: “Lawler vs Woodley” results and play-by-play, click HERE!