MANILA, Philippines – Robbie Lawler eked out a split decision victory over Johny Hendricks in UFC 181 to snatch the welterweight title and became the first fighter with Filipino blood to win a crown in the biggest mixed martial arts stage at the Mandalay Bay in Las Vegas, Nevada Sunday.
Nicknamed "Ruthless," Lawler came out more aggressive and resilient and won it on two judges’ scorecards, 49-46 and 48-47, besting Hendricks, who got the nod of only one judge, 48-47, to snatch the 170-pound belt.
It was sweet revenge for the 32-year-old Lawler, who lost a split decision to Hendricks on March 15 in Dallas for vacant title.
Lawler, a native of San Diego, California, thus accomplished what fellow Fil-Ams, Brandon "The Truth" Vera and Mark "The Filipino Wrecking Machine" Munoz failed to do--by emerging the first ever Filipino champion.
And he did it 12 years since making his UFC debut.
"It's been an amazing journey," said Lawler during post-fight interview.
It wasn't easy though.
With the match hanging in the balance after four grueling five-minute rounds, Lawler opened up and brought the fight to Hendricks in the fifth and final round that probably got him the nod of the judges.
Next for Lawler could be No. 1 contender Rory MacDonald or a third fight against Hendricks, whom the former split his two matches from with a pair of split decisions.
In the other titled fight of the night, Anthony "Showtime" Pettis made his first successful lightweight title defense by submitting No. 1 contender Gilbert Melendez in the second round of the co-main event of the day.