The UFC Newark main event just witnessed former interim welterweight champ Colby Covington outstrike ‘Ruthless’ Robbie Lawler. No horse feathers! Covington started out outgripping his adversary, but then switched gears and threw a ton of volume en route to a five-round decision. The #2 ranked UFC welterweight is now on a seven-fight winning streak and just might have a date with the current undisputed champion, Kamaru Usman.
Covington went hard for the takedown early in the first round. He glued himself to the former champ, forcing him to carry his weight. Lawler finally got free with about a minute left on the clock, but was unable to make anything happen before Covington closed the distance again. Covington went right back to work in the second act. He closed the distance and forced lawler to be defensive. He would get the takedown and make Lawler work to stand back up. Back in open space, Lawler was unable to score with anything meaningful before Covington removed the space yet again.
Lawler came out for the third throwing more punches. Covington threw back and mixed in his takedown attempts. The pace of Covington was constant. He pressed forward staying busy, and unloaded a ton of volume. The fourth round was no different. Lawler just kind of shelled up, not throwing, allowing Covington to fire at will. The fifth round saw Covington run away with this one. He continued to land and outstrike Lawler, who just wasn’t able to dish out any damage.
Colby Covington def. Robbie Lawler by unanimous decision (50-44, 50-45 x2): Welterweight