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ROUNDTABLE: Predictions for UFC 181's Johny Hendricks vs. Robbie Lawler main event
Dec 5, 2014 - 4:15:37 PM
ROUNDTABLE: Predictions for UFC 181's Johny Hendricks vs. Robbie Lawler main event
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Johny Hendricks and Robbie Lawler had a fantastic "Fight of the Year" candidate earlier this year in their first title tilt at UFC 171, and they're going to do go at it again on Saturday night. Who wins the rematch, and how do you think the fight plays out given Hendricks' injury layoff and Lawler's performances in the interim?


RICH HANSEN, MMATORCH COLUMNIST

I really want to say Robbie Lawler has improved since March. I want to say that Hendricks threw everything he had at Lawler, and only won because he wrestlehumped Lawler in the fifth out of complete desperation. I want to say that Lawler exposed Hendricks in March, and will punch his ticket to the welterweight championship on Saturday night.

Of course, if I do, I'll be lying to myself. While it's possible all of the above is true, Johny Hendricks was fighting with one arm, and still won. Sure he wrestlehumped his way to the win in round five, but there isn't a person alive who scored round five for Lawler, and winning ugly is vastly superior to losing pretty. The improvements that Robbie Lawler may or may not have displayed in his two victories since losing to Hendricks nine months ago (and doesn't it feel like three years ago?) are dwarfed by the improvement Hendricks will show simply by being healthy. Johny Hendricks with one arm beat Robbie Lawler. A healthy Johny Hendricks will have an easier time of it on Saturday night. It will be competitive, but Hendricks' power, and his wrestling when he needs it, are too much for Lawler to overcome. Hendricks by Unanimous Decision.


FRANK HYDEN, MMATORCH CONTRIBUTOR

I think Hendricks wins again. I don't think this one lives up to their first fight, but it will still be a very good fight. I think Hendricks comes back from injury fine and is able to fight his fight. This is a very interesting fight because their first one was pretty close, and I want to see what each guy changes about his approach this time, and what he keeps the same. It's basically a chess match, where each guy is going to want to anticipate what the other will do and try to counter him. I think Hendricks is able to get the finish this time in a close fight.


BRAD WALKER, MMATORCH CONTRIBUTOR

Hendricks said he has his desire back after the layoff, and I absolutely believe him. He bested Lawler with a torn bicep, so I'm not going to believe anything other than that he can do it again with two healthy arms. I'm taking Hendricks to end this fight in the second round with a crowd pleasing highlight reel knockout of the comeback kid that has become Robbie Lawler. Hendricks will retain.


TOM STRONG, MMATORCH UK CONTRIBUTOR

I just cannot wait for this fight, it feels like a long time coming, but finally we will get to see the rematch we've all been waiting for! I just hope it lives up to the first fight, and I have no doubt it will.

In a very close first encounter, Hendricks did just enough to win the vacant UFC Welterweight Title. I don't see the second installment being much different from the first, most of the fight will be a striking battle with Hendricks gunning for those take downs if the rounds become close. Lawler is the better striker of the two, and if he can strike and move like the first fight, but for longer, he might just edge this and become the new Welterweight Champion,

This being said, I favour Hendricks to get the job done. I'm sure being injured last time out has a bearing on their first fight, with a fully fit or as near as possible as he can be, I expect something a little special from Hendricks like his performance against GSP. But this time, he'll come away victorious, and with another stoppage to his record.

This fight will alone will be worth the entrance fee!

Prediction: Hendricks KO in the third round


DAN MOORE, MMATORCH UK COLUMNIST

Of the two championships fights on Saturday night, this one is going to be the closest contest. Their first encounter at UFC 171 is rightly being touted as the fight of the year winner, a back-and-forth fight that could have gone either way right up until the last second. Robbie Lawler clearly has the momentum now after his wins over Jake Ellenberger and Matt Brown, but Johny Hendricks remains a formidable opponent, even after his injury layoff.

Hendricks couldn't get the volume of takedowns he needed in the first fight because of the injury he sustained early on, but also because Lawler is extremely difficult to takedown and then keep down. I do think Hendricks has more success in that area this time around barring a setback, and ultimately that will probably be the deciding factor in this fight. They will both have their moments in the striking exchanges, so Hendricks' game plan and best path to victory is easy to see. Lawler knows that, but can he stop it? I doubt it.

I see this one going to another decision, but I doubt it matches the first fight in terms of entertainment, purely because so much of it will be spent with Hendricks in top control. From a fan perspective, I don't care who wins because I like them both, and I admire what they bring to the sport. Lawler's resurgence has been nothing short of sensational, while Hendricks is so unassuming, and one of the most likeable guys in MMA. Hendricks wins by unanimous decision.


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