Robbie Lawler upsets Johny Hendricks, takes UFC welterweight crown

Twelve years after he made his UFC debut amid great hype as a green but extremely talented 20-year-old, Robbie Lawler finally fulfilled all the experts' predictions of greatness. Lawler edged Johny Hendricks Saturday in a tight and, at times, odd fight, winning a split decision to upset Hendricks and claim the welterweight title in the main event of UFC 181 at the Mandalay Bay Events Center. Judges had it 49-46 and 48-47 for Lawler and 48-47 for Hendricks. Yahoo Sports scored the bout 48-47 for Lawler, giving Lawler Rounds 1, 2 and 5. Hendricks took a similarly close decision on March 15 when they fought for the vacant title in Dallas. But this time, a big rally in the final round when Hendricks was surprisingly docile led Lawler to the title.

Hendricks, who tore a biceps in the first fight, kept trying to keep the fight up against the cage and grapple with Lawler. Lawler fended off many takedown attempts, but wasn't often able to open up with his strikes. UFC Hall of Famer Pat Miletich, Lawler's former coach, left his seat after the second round and urged Lawler to make Hendricks fight. But he didn't really open up until the fifth when the bout was hanging in the balance. "I thought I needed to get in his face and force him to fight," Lawler said. "That's what my corner told me to do. That's how we fight in UFC. It's how you fight championship fights." When the final bell sounded, Hendricks walked away toward his corner with little emotion. Lawler, though, was charged up by a flurry of punches and kicks he'd landed in the last minute. He followed behind Hendricks and shouted at him.