‘Ruthless’ Controversially Edges Condit in Thriller
Robbie Lawler is physically incapable of putting on a boring fight inside the Octagon. Seemingly down on the scorecards and outgunned for the better part of four rounds, the notoriously vicious champion stormed the gate in the fifth and final round, smashing Condit with desperate but devastating combinations. It was an incredible sequence; a fantastic end to an awesome fight, but for most the damage had seemingly already been done. An extremely close contest from the onset, the challenger Condit made several positional mistakes which allowed the champion to connect with some of his famous power shots, but on the whole had found far more success thanks to a vastly superior volume of successfully landed strikes.
As the final horn sounded and the two exhausted competitors collapsed against the cage, completely spent from their 25-minute war, many assumed that Condit had done just enough to secure his first proper world title. Unfortunately for ‘The Natural Born Killer’ however the judges surprisingly sided with the champion, probably due to his significant knockdown of the challenger in the second and a strong final round. The decision may remain controversial, but the superb performances of these two veteran warriors cannot be denied. The division’s other contenders will hate the idea, but an immediate rematch must be ordered to determine a clear victor.
Miocic Halts Arlovski Revival to Secure Future Title Shot
54 seconds and two excellent short right hand shots were all that was required as Stipe Miocic finally booked a well-earned future heavyweight title shot. Backing the rejuvenated Arlovski - undefeated since making his UFC comeback in 2014 - into the Octagon fence, Miocic was clinical with his striking and quickly had the Belarusian former champion crumpled on the canvas to force the quick stoppage. Miocic has looked particularly monstrous as of late and will undoubtedly pose a significant threat to whoever the champion is following Fabricio Werdum and Cain Velasquez’s anticipated title rematch next month.
Tumenov Survives Larkin Leg Kick Assault to Nab Decision
In the main card’s other questionable decision, Albert Tumenov had to gut out essentially losing a leg as he earned a contentious split decision victory over Lorenz Larkin to continue his rise in the UFC’s increasingly talent-rich welterweight division. The two found consistent success with their choice of offense with Larkin opting for a torrent of leg kicks and Tumenov sticking with his outstanding boxing, but it was the former who stood out over the duration of the bout as he reduced his Russian opponent’s lead left leg to a swollen and discoloured mess. Tumenov proved his toughness however and dug deep to score with some excellent positioning, strong combinations and powerful body blows, moves key to securing his fifth consecutive victory.
Slick Ortega Triangle Too Much for Improved Brandao
When your Jiu-Jitsu lineage directly connects to the father of the martial art you should be expected to look sublime on the ground. Brian Ortega did just that as he came from behind to submit dangerous Diego Brandao early in the third round. Withstanding the predictable first round onslaught from the Brazilian, Ortega was successful in keeping Brandao at bay, but just wasn’t doing enough to ensure the victory. That all changed early in the final round however as Rorion Gracie’s prized student took Brandao down and ensnared him in a lethal maze of chokes. A transition to secure the triangle was all the Brazilian, a respected BJJ blackbelt himself, could handle as he quickly surrendered. Still undefeated and now firmly tested at featherweight, 2016 could be a milestone year for the talented Ortega.
Trujillo Back on Track With Excellent Submission Victory
A calmer approach proved key as Abel Trujillo kept his UFC career alive with an excellent first round guillotine stoppage of dangerous striker Tony Sims. Initially testing his opponent on the feet, Trujillo soon opted for a more ground-based offense after tasting the power of his opponent’s counter strikes. Ironically however it was Sims who initiated the match-ending sequence as he attempted to test his own grappling, a costly mistake which Trujillo pounced on almost immediately with an unconventional guillotine from outside the guard. The additional leverage wasn’t required ultimately as Sims quickly tapped, handing The Blackzilians-based lightweight a vital win, his first since February 2014.
UFC 195 Main Card Results:
Lightweight
Abel Trujillo def Tony Sims via submission (guillotine choke) in round 1
Featherweight
Brian Ortega def Diego Brandao via submission (triangle choke) in round 3
Welterweight
Albert Tumenov def Lorenz Larkin via split decision (29-28, 28-29, 29-28)
Heavyweight
Stipe Miocic def Andrei Arlovski via TKO (punches) in round 1
Welterweight Championship
Robbie Lawler © def Carlos Condit via split decision (47-48, 48-47, 48-47)
Event Awards:
Best Fight: Robbie Lawler vs. Carlos Condit
Best Finish: Brian Ortega
MVP: Stipe Miocic
What did you think of UFC 195? Leave your comments and analysis in the comments section below!
All images used here belong to Esther Lin and are used without permission.
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