Robbie Lawler Plans On Taking Fight To Johny Hendricks The Second Time Around
With a shining 5-1 record since returning to the Octagon with a first round stoppage of former title challenger Josh Koscheck at UFC 157 in late February 2013, welterweight No. 1 contender “Ruthless” Robbie Lawler has resurrected his career in a big way at 170 pounds.
His only loss in that span was a closely contested split decision to champion Johny Hendricks at March’s UFC 171.
By defeating a tough Matt Brown in the main event of last night’s (July 26, 2014) UFC on FOX 12 from San Jose, California, Lawler earned the right to rematch “Bigg Rigg” for the belt once the new champion returns from surgery later this year or early next year.
Speaking at the UFC on FOX 12 post-fight press conference, “Ruthless” said he needs to bring the fight to Hendricks the second time around. Decisions are hard to take from the champion, and Lawler knows this all too well. Because of that, he’s going to pick up the pace:
“I’m going to do a lot different. I’m going to keep building on everything that I’ve been doing this year, but I’m going to do more. That’s what that fight came down to; I need to do more. More punches, more kicks, more takedown defense. I just need to take the fight to him. I want to get right back in the gym and start working out and start working to get better and start training to be champion.”
After more than 13 years in MMA, Lawler has seen it all. But now, he has finally realized his full potential by refining his striking and overall training at Florida’s American Top Team (ATT). He looks nearly impossible to stop, with the one chink in is armor being “Bigg Rigg’s” NCAA Champion-level wrestling.
With Hendricks on the sidelines, has Lawler improved enough to tip the scales in his favor? Cast your vote in our poll right here!
Photo: Stephen R. Sylvanie for USA TODAY Sports
