Anthony Pettis and Johny Hendricks entered UFC 181 as champions but with something to prove to themselves and their fans. Neither had defended their title since winning it and both suffered lengthy lay offs due to injuries. UFC 181 was their chance to prove that they belong amongst the pantheon of great UFC champions.
One left with his belt, the other felt as though he should’ve.
Pettis didn’t waste much time showing that he’s even better than he was before he suffered his injury. Despite Gilbert Melendez entering the octagon with a great game plan, Pettis was able to trade shots in the pocket and constantly beat Melendez to the punch. (no pun intended)
Pettis spent much of the first round pinned against the cage while Gilbert tried to take him down & land body shots. When Pettis did have some space he exchanged punches with Melendez in small windows, often getting the better of the challenger. Then in the second round Pettis saw his opportunity to close out the fight. He landed a straight right hand that rocked Melendez and he immediately went for the guillotine finish.
Just like that the fight was over and Pettis now had 2 guillotine finishes over fighters many considered un-finishable. Melendez said it best post fight, “Pettis is the new breed.” He’s a fighter that is supremely talented and is only getting better. The UFC has another star on it’s hand with “Showtime” Pettis.
Johny Hendricks faced many of the same hurdles as Pettis except he entered the fight with a good idea of what his opponent brought to the table. Robbie Lawler was Johny’s last opponent before his injury and he defeated him in one of the greatest UFC title matches ever. That fight came down to the last round and Johny knew he’d have to give it all he had again tonight.
Unfortunately the judges didn’t feel Johny’s best was enough tonight. Hendrick lost a split decision to Robbie Lawler in a fight many fans, writers and basically everyone besides judge #3 thought was a close fight. The last judge scored the fight 49-46 in favour of Lawler, which is still mind boggling to anyone with eyes.
Early on in the fight Johny was guilty of slowing the pace of the fight to a crawl and constantly pushing Lawler against the cage. When Johny did allow Robbie space they battled evenly, Johny with leg kicks and hooks and Robbie with jabs and body kicks. Neither fighter able to land that one big shot many were expecting.
In the end both fighters swung away as the 5th round came to a close. An exchange that was heavily in the favor of Lawler and that most likely won him the 5th round. He seemed to had learned from the last fight and closed the 5th round with a bang. Even at that point i favored Hendricks 49-46, maybe 48-47. According to the judges I need an eye exam.
When Lawler was announce the “NEWWWWWWW UFC welterweight champion” the quiet crowd erupted. Many in shock, other in amazement and joy. The crowd was pro Lawler and rushed down to cheer their newly crowned champion, all the while Hendricks stormed out of the octagon in an understandable rage.
UFC 181 lived up to it’s fight card of the year potential. It did so with controversy, the re-emergance of a young star and the announcement of CM Punk.
UFC 181 won’t be forgotten anytime soon.