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Who wins the Robbie Lawler vs. Matt Brown fight at UFC on Fox 12, and how? Do you think the winner will beat Johny Hendricks for the UFC Welterweight Title in December or January? Why or why not?
CASH NORMAN, MMATORCH CONTRIBUTOR
Robbie Lawler will be a major step up in competition for Matt Brown, and I think it will be an entertaining bout, as it should be a high paced brawl. In the end I see the bout going to Lawler via KO. Brown tends to set a pace and overwhelm guys with volume strikes and pressure. We have seen a more mature Lawler that shouldn't fall prey to this strategy, and he still possesses knockout power in each hand. I anticipate Lawler being able to hurt Brown to the body and immediately finish him.
I think Robbie Lawler came very close to beating Hendricks in their initial fight, and even rocked Hendricks in the third round. However, we now know that Hendricks entered into the bout with a torn bicep. Now we have to question, how would Hendricks have done if he was completely healthy? The fact is, Hendricks was still able to hurt Lawler in the fifth round. There were some tactical errors that Lawler made in which he can improve upon. Honestly, I cannot say confidently Robbie Lawler could beat Johny Hendricks in a rematch. I would love for Lawler to win because I've been watching him since he was in his early 20s, but can't say with complete confidence he'd win. The fact Hendricks was still able to hurt Lawler while fighting with a major injury is troubling.
FRANK HYDEN, MMATORCH CONTRIBUTOR
Something in my gut tells me that Brown finishes Lawler, so I'm going to go with that. I think Brown applies too much pressure and keeps coming forward, and one of them will have to wilt. I think the guy who shrinks will be Lawler. Brown seems to do these things in his fights that don't seem possible, that he shouldn't be able to do, but he pulls them off. I'm going with Brown to get the TKO stoppage in the third round, after a relentless assault. And since I'm already out on a limb, I might as well continue. I think Brown beats Hendricks and becomes the new UFC Welterweight Champion later this year or early next year. I think his unyielding pressure will be too much for either Lawler or Hendricks.
BRAD WALKER, MMATORCH COLUMNIST
I'm swearing off betting against either of these guys. BUT, since you twisted my arm, I'm going to stay safe and say Robbie Lawler ends Brown's climb to the top with a left head kick that renders Brown in sleep mode. This will play out as a fun fight with two guys who will swing for the fences for a title shot, but ultimately Hendricks will hold onto the belt. He beat Robbie Lawler with one arm already... ONE ARM! He will destroy anyone with two.
KALE HAVERVOLD, MMATORCH CONTRIBUTOR
I think Robbie Lawler, and I don't think it will be close. The guys that Lawler has fought against recently are LEAPS and bounds better than the men Brown has fought. I think Robbie ends up knocking out the overly aggressive Matt Brown. And no, I don't think either of them will beat Hendricks for the title, and I don't think anyone will until Rory MacDonald gets his shot.
TOM STRONG, MMATORCH UK CONTRIBUTOR
Robbie Lawler vs. Matt Brown, what's not to love about this fight? Surely this fight can't fail to deliver, but while I'm very excited to see this fight, there is also a flip side for me. If I had a choice, I'd rather we didn't see this fight right now, as both fighter's deserve their title shot, and a defeat for the loser will put them further back in the pecking order.
In his first fight since his close decision loss to Hendricks back in March, Lawler looked superb in knocking out Jake Ellenberger. Meanwhile, Brown is riding a seven fight winning streak, finishing six of the seven opponents within the distance. You can make very good arguments for both fighters getting their chance at Hendricks, and it's a shame one of them will be put on the back burner with a defeat.
I think we can safely say in this fight 1) it isn't going the distance, and 2) the fight won't be going to the mat. This will be a stand up war, featuring two fighters with knockout power.
What Brown has achieved in his last seven fights, no one could've predicted. He's made non-believers into believers with his stunning performances, and not just by running his mouth to get into title contention.
I've made the mistake of underestimating Brown on numerous occasions, and been made to look silly (not for the first time). Still, I have to favour Lawler in this fight, he possesses more power, and is technically better in the striking department, where I expect the fight to take place.
I'm not sure Brown is as big an underdog as the bookmakers are making out, and wouldn't be surprised at all to see Brown pull of yet another victory against all odds. To achieve this, Brown will have to pull out the performance of his life to defeat Lawler. Maybe I'm going with my heart here and not my head, but it's Brown's time, I can feel it!
Prediction: Brown UD.
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