Roundtables
UFC on Fox 12 Roundtable: Hansen, Hyden, Havervold, and Strong review "Lawler vs. Brown" card
Jul 27, 2014 - 4:15:25 PM UFC on Fox 12 Roundtable: Hansen, Hyden, Havervold, and Strong review "Lawler vs. Brown" card

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RICH HANSEN, MMATORCH COLUMNIST

Tonight's show had two storylines. First of course was the main event and its ramifications. Namely, by beating Matt Brown, Robbie Lawler has earned a rematch with Johny Hendricks for the UFC Welterweight Championship, likely on January 3. Lawler and Brown did what they were expected to do, which was to throw everything they could throw for 25 minutes, may the better man win. Well, the better man did win, which leads us to the most anticipated rematch in welterweight history since the last most anticipated rematch in welterweight history.

But to me the more intriguing storyline comes from the three undercard fights. Anthony Johnson, Dennis Bermudez, and Bobby Green all took out more experienced veteran opponents, and let their respective divisions know that nothing gold can stay. OK. I doubt Green, Bermudez, and Johnson were quoting Robert Frost. Shut uppa you face.


FRANK HYDEN, MMATORCH CONTRIBUTOR

I was surprised that Robbie Lawler and Matt Brown went all five rounds. I know both guys are very tough, but with their fighting styles I though someone was going to get knocked out. It was a very good fight. The toughness and tenacity of these guys was great to watch. Lawler won the decision, but Brown showed that he deserves to stay in the top half of the division. I'm really looking forward to Lawler vs. Johny Hendricks for the UFC Welterweight Championship.

Anthony "Rumble" Johnson knocking out Antonio Rogerio Nogueira was extremely impressive. It certainly puts him in a position where you have to consider him for a title shot. The problem is that Daniel Cormier is already getting the next shot, then Alexander Gustafsson is likely next. That puts Johnson in a spot where he'll probably have to fight again. I don't know who against, but it'll have to be somebody. The other fights were pretty good.

Bobby Green looked very good in his split decision win over Josh Thomson. His movement was outstanding, and he was impressive with his striking. He certainly deserves to be fighting a top five guy next.

Dennis Bermudez submitting Clay Guida was also impressive. It's hard to finish Guida, and Bermudez did it in style. He also needs to be fighting a top five guy next. I want to see what Bermudez can do when he's pushed.


KALE HAVERVOLD, MMATORCH CONTRIBUTOR

I give this card a 9 out of 10. Great card with it's fair share of quick finishes and long, close fights. My favorite moment of the night was seeing Bobby Green pick up as victory, especially after all he's been through.


TOM STRONG, MMATORCH UK CONTRIBUTOR

The UFC seem to be on a roll at the moment, with events that just keep giving; UFC on Fox 12 was no different and delivered in every way, despite nine of the twelve fights going the distance. The card had stand out performances along the way, and entertaining fights to boot. Then it was finished off with a main event that saw two fighters go toe to toe over five competitive rounds.

The plaudits will go to Robbie Lawler vs. Matt Brown, and so it should. It was everything we thought it would be, and it's just a shame there had to be a loser. Brown didn't take a backwards step all night, and took everything thrown at him; he even had Lawler in trouble a few times himself.

The performance from Anthony Johnson in his 44 second destruction of Antonio Nogueira will make the light heavyweight division sit up and take notice of him.

Dennis Bermundez put in a stellar performance, stopping the very durable Clay Guida in the second round, and continuing his winning streak to seven fights. Bobby Green upsetting the odds in defeating Josh Thomson via unanimous decision was good as well.

UFC on Fox 12 scores a very high 8.5/10.