For his only fight of 2016 so far, Bellator featherweight Justin Lawrence believes things could not have gone better when he defeated Isao Kobayashi in June by second-round TKO.
Lawrence believes the seven months between his previous fight and his win over Kobayashi ultimately helped in the end.
“The fight went really well,” Lawrence told MMAWeekly.com. “I imposed my game plan. I imposed my will right from the get-go. It really panned the fight out in my favor.
“You always have to be ready. It helps you work on your game. I’m always in the gym. Whether I’m in the gym or not, I’m always honing and sharpening my tools. It definitely helps out.”
Following a six month layoff, Lawrence (9-3) steps in on late notice for his return at Bellator 167 on Saturday in Thackerville, Okla., to take on John Teixeira (20-1-2) in a main card 145-pound bout.
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Being a late replacement for Pat Curran allows Lawrence to step into the fight with Teixeira without any expectations that would come from a longer build-up to the bout.
“I’ve got to go in there, relax, and (treat it like) it’s another day in the gym, another sparring day in the gym – it’s no pressure added, nothing on my shoulders, just go out there and perform to the best of my abilities and have a blast,” said Lawrence.
As for Teixeira himself, Lawrence sees a clash in styles, and will have do all he can to keep the bout to his own strengths.
“I feel like he’s got decent hands, he’s heavy handed, he’s a good grappler and looks like he’s most comfortable on the ground, so just avoid going to the ground as much as possible and take his head off,” Lawrence said of Teixeira.
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“I know John is ready, he’s going to come in hard, and he’s been training for a high level guy (in Curran). But I don’t feel like he’s fought anyone like me. I’m going to go in there and exploit that.”
Though 2016 hasn’t been as busy of a year as Lawrence would have liked, he views his opportunity against Teixeira as the gateway to a potentially career year in 2017.
“I feel beating a guy like John is knocking on the door for a title shot,” said Lawrence. “He’s Top 3 in the division, and beating a guy like that gets some new blood up there fighting for the title. I feel like 2017 will be my year to win the gold.”
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