UFC Fight Night: Robbie Lawler battles to points victory over Matt Brown

Robbie Lawler outpointed Matt Brown in a battle of grit and determination that remarkably lasted the full five rounds, with the first and last periods catching fire in the expected manner.

The two welterweights with demonstrable finishing ability were able to survive each other but ultimately Lawler had the better of things over 25 minutes, earning a 49-46, 49-46, 48-47 unanimous decision.

Victory at Fight Night in San Jose, California likely elevates Lawler to a title fight against Johny Hendricks.

Lawler began by landing a concerning amount of punches within the first minute but Brown responded with a damaging straight right that sparked a back-and-forth scrap.

Both men gave and received significant strikes in the first before Brown enjoyed his most productive work in the second through his clinching and elbows.

Lawler’s speed and technique took over in the third and he clearly hurt Brown with a body kick only the referee to incorrectly rule it a low blow.

Brown, bloodied by the volume and power of shots he absorbed, began to tire and Lawler’s left kick was finding its home regularly. The fourth period saw Lawler dominate on the ground before picking careful shots with his dangerous left hand.

The final stanza became the war that many expected as Brown fought for a knock-out with his intimidating forward pressure and ruthlessness knowing the scorecards were insurmountable. Lawler met him in the centre and they traded heavy blows with neither man budging.

Brown visibly injured his right hand after one punch was recklessly threw it a couple more times although Lawler still landed the crisper shots, rocking his opponent up against the cage. It was testament that they both made the final bell, where they warmly embraced seemingly as shocked as the crowd nobody was stopped.

Elsewhere, Anthony Johnson bludgeoned Antonio Rogerio Nogueira after 44 seconds, Dennis Bermudez submitted Clay Guida and Bobby Green outpointed Josh Thomson.