– Paul Dollery reports from Las Vegas
MUCH WAS EXPECTED of tonight’s UFC welterweight title bout and it certainly delivered.
“One of the greatest championship battles in the history of the division” is how UFC commentator Joe Rogan described it after Robbie Lawler successfully defended his belt against Rory MacDonald in the co-main event at UFC 189 at the MGM Grand Garden Arena.
Lawler, who was putting his title on the line for the first time since he dethroned Johny Hendricks last December, had the support of the majority of the many Irish fans in attendance who created an electric atmosphere as the American squared off against Canada’s MacDonald.
The bout eventually came to life after a tentative first round, with the two fighters displaying incredible toughness and tenacity as they traded punches which left them both bloodied and battered.
MacDonald appeared to be on the verge of finishing the fight in the third round as he unloaded on Lawler against the fence, but the champion was saved by the bell at the end of the frame.
The bout swung back in Lawler’s favour and after he caught MacDonald with a vicious left jab, the Canadian collapsed to the canvas. Lawler followed up with ground and pound and the bout was stopped after exactly one minute of the final round.
