Roundtables
ROUNDTABLE: Who should Robbie Lawler's first UFC Title defense come against?
Dec 9, 2014 - 4:25:35 PM ROUNDTABLE: Who should Robbie Lawler's first UFC Title defense come against?

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Should Robbie Lawler's first title defense be the trilogy fight with Johny Hendricks or the rematch with Rory MacDonald? Why?


RICH HANSEN, MMATORCH COLUMNIST

Um, none of the above? Both Hendricks fights were compelling, of course, but can't we let the trilogy breathe a little? Does Johny Hendricks really need to fight the same guy three times in a row? And does the UFC need to be giving instant title shots to a former champion who didn't defend his title successfully on one occasion? Of course Hendricks should answer both of these questions in the affirmative, as will both his fans and impartial observers who thought he won the rematch. And you know what? Under the ten-point must, I scored the fight for Hendricks, as I did give him the fourth round (although I don't think I would upon rewatching). Scoring the fight as a whole, Lawler won that fight. But other than most of the first round, and the ends of the fourth and fifth rounds, it wasn't the greatest fight in the world. It's not like a rematch is in high demand due to the epic nature of Saturday night's fight or anything. Hendricks lost a close fight, maybe in a controversial fight. But there's just no need for him to get an instant rematch.

So, who's left? Oh yes, Rory MacDonald. But you know what? I remember seeing Rory MacDonald lay an egg against Robbie Lawler for 12 of 15 minutes barely one year ago. I have less of an objection to MacDonald getting the next title fight, I suppose. After all, Dana White did tell the entire world that Rory MacDonald is in line for the next title fight, and it would be in Montreal, and it would be in March, and he would NEVER screw around Canadian UFC fans about dates of Canadian shows, now would he? Also, if Rory MacDonald wins the title, and if Georges St-Pierre is ever going to return to the UFC, and if St-Pierre will never fight MacDonald, and if you understand the concept of making money... then Robbie Lawler's next fight needs to be this March, in Montreal, versus Georges St-Pierre.


FRANK HYDEN, MMATORCH CONTRIBUTOR

I think that Rory MacDonald has a case for getting the title shot, but it's not so strong that you absolutely have to give it to him. However, I would give him the shot just because I don't think that Hendricks has that strong of a case either. I would give MacDonald the next shot, just to shake things up a bit, because I'm not a fan of guys fighting three times in a row, which is what would happen for Hendricks if he fought Lawler again. I think they should match Lawler against MacDonald and give Hendricks a high level opponent. You tell Hendricks that if he wins, he gets a title shot.


BRAD WALKER, MMATORCH CONTRIBUTOR

Right now it has to be a trilogy fight; the scorecards didn't meet anyone's expectations for their second bout and it's only fair that we get a trilogy out of two of the heaviest hitters in welterweight history. I had scored the fight 48-47 for Hendricks, giving him rounds 2 3 and 4 while giving Lawler rounds 1 and 5, and I think round one could still have gone to Hendricks with the takedowns and more overall control than Lawler's initial outburst. MacDonald needs to fight Woodley or Lombard to keep his spot, but the clear fight to make that will draw the most suspense is Lawler-Hendricks part 3.


ALVIN CARTER, MMATORCH SPECIALIST

Robbie Lawler should fight Rory McDonald. Robbie got the chance to prove himself, and now it is McDonald's turn. Lawler's win over Hendricks was close, but I had him winning rounds 1, 4, and 5. Also, Hendricks did have some control, but he did not do much with it. Hendricks had great combos, but Lawler blocked a lot of what was thrown. Hendricks will probably wait for a rematch or fight the winner of Lawler/McDonald. He is an excellent fighter and sponsored by Reebok boy, so he will get a favorable opportunity even if he sits tight.


CASH NORMAN, MMATORCH CONTRIBUTOR

Although I would like to see a trilogy fight between Johny Hendricks and Robbie Lawler, I do not wish to see it right away. I think the UFC likes to have rematch fights right away, but I think it often does a disservice to other fighters within the division. Currently, the welterweight division is stacked with contenders, and I think Hendricks should have at least one or two more fights before he has another opportunity to challenge for the title.


DAN MOORE, MMATORCH UK COLUMNIST

Lawler's resurgence is the real success story of 2014 and his move to welterweight last year proved to be a brilliant decision. I won't be surprised if the UFC decide on a trilogy fight next year. Its 1-1 now, and both fights have been incredibly close. Rory MacDonald would have been the dead cert if Hendricks had won, but not now. He lost to Lawler less than twelve months ago. Again, it was very close, but unlike Hendricks, he doesn't hold an equalising win over the new champion.

The more I think about it, the more inclined I am to go with the trilogy fight and put the matter to bed once and for all. Rory MacDonald doesn't necessarily have to fight again before he gets the title shot after, but it would be advantageous for him to do so. It doesn't sound like either Lawler or Hendricks suffered any bad injuries, so we could get the third fight out of the way by May or June.