UFC 214: Cormier vs. Jones 2 took place Saturday night at the Honda Center in Anaheim, California. The second fight of the main card saw former welterweight champ Robbie Lawler square off with Donald Cerrone in a fight that could earn one fighter a shot at the UFC Welterweight title.
In his first trip back to the octagon after dropping the belt to current Welterweight Champion Tyron Woodley, Former UFC Welterweight Champion Robbie Lawler was set to quickly find himself back in the title picture with a statement win over Donald Cerrone.
Donald Cerrone, meanwhile, came into Saturday coming off of a TKO loss to Jorge Masvidal at UFC on Fox: Shevchenko vs. Peña. Cerrone, ever popular thanks to his anywhere, any time attitude, however, could also have found himself back in the title picture with a victory over Lawler.
So how did the action play out?
The first round saw Lawler explode out of the gate. He rushed Cerrone, getting the thai clinch, and peppered the fighter with a series of blows. Cerrone survived and threw an elbow on the break. The damage from the encounter was visible above Cerrone’s right eye. Lawler continued to press until Cerrone shot the take down and took him to the mat, landing in half guard. Cerrone worked into side control then quickly moved to a north south position while working the body of Lawler. The two scrambled and back on their feet for the round to end.
The second saw a slower start to the action, with Cerrone enforcing distance with his kicks. Lawler tried to continue his assault from the previous round but Cerrone launched a furious counter attack, with elbows and head kicks. Lawler looked much slower this round, allowing Cerrone to take control and press the action.
Lawler looked to be conserving his gas tank for this round and it showed. He came out pressuring Cerrone and was much more active, throwing head kicks and putting his punches together. Cerrone continued to change levels trying to counter the new assault by Lawler. Lawler was not to be denied and continued to put his shots together, as he worked the body of Cerrone and backed him up. Lawler pressed the fight until the end of the round.
Robbie Lawler def. Donald Cerrone by unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
