11 Predictions For UFC 181

1. Johny Hendricks (C) vs. Robbie Lawler

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wxyDCSt-Zmo Weight Class: Welterweight Ring rust for Johny Hendricks (16€“2) is less of an issue than for many fighters on this card, since he last fought in March, but it's still there. The real question, however, is this: how much has Robbie Lawler (24€“10 (1)) improved since the last meeting between these two, when Hendricks won a five round decision to claimed the championship vacated by the retired-for-now Georges St. Pierre? Lawler has fought twice since then, defeating Jake Ellenberger by knockout and Matt Brown in a five round decision. He should be ready to go five rounds given the Brown fight, and has a slight advantage coming off two solid wins while Hendricks underwent surgery. That said, Hendricks still has solid wrestling and power in his hands. Has Lawler's takedown defence improved significantly enough to make the difference? Lawler has power of his own, so it's the mat game that will make all the difference. Neither Brown nor Ellenberger had wrestling even close to what Hendricks has, so really, there's nothing to judge Robbie Lawler's possible improvement by. We'd love to be surprised, but we see this fight playing out similar to their first encounter, with Hendricks taking home the decision victory. Lawler can change it all with his power however. It's a close one.