The main event at UFC 181 on Saturday was teed up as the Terminator 2
of 2014. Even though the original bout back in March between Johny
Hendricks and Robbie Lawler—which resulted in a close decision win and
the vacant welterweight title for Hendricks—was considered one of the
best fights of the year, there were thoughts that the rematch could
surpass it.
After all, Hendricks, we later learned, fought with a torn biceps.
And since that setback, Lawler has been on a bit of a tear, looking
better than he ever had as he ripped through Jake Ellenberger and then
Matt Brown while Hendricks idled on the sidelines.
And that was only the first of the evening's two title fights.
Anthony Pettis, the reigning lightweight champ, also returned from a
lengthy layoff. The dynamic knockout artist came back after 16 months
away to try and defend his UFC strap for the first time, and did so
against Gilbert Melendez, the former Strikeforce and WEC champ who
coached against Pettis on the most recent season of The Ultimate Fighter.
And this was only the beginning. Did someone say CM Punk? Oh yes.
As always, the final stat lines only reveal so much. Here are the
real winners and losers from a glitzy Saturday night in glamorous Las
Vegas.
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