Strikeforce Results: Tim Kennedy Tops Robbie Lawler with Unanimous Decision Win

Tim Kennedy

Tim Kennedy defeated Robbie Lawler in their Strikeforce & M-1 Global: Fedor vs. Henderson main card bout on Saturday night in Illinois, putting himself in prime position for another title shot.

Kennedy controlled the pace of the fight, winning the bout by unanimous decision.

The two fighters started slow, not engaging each other much in the first minute-and-a-half. Kennedy then went for a takedown before Lawler stuffed it. Kennedy stayed relentless, however, continuing to chase down his opponent and eventually getting top-position. Lawler scrambled out and the two traded shots on the feet here and there towards the end of the round.

Kennedy opened up the second round with a push kick and later attempted another takedown, but Lawler kept it standing. Later, Lawler landed a nice uppercut that cut his opponent open, but Kennedy followed through with a clinch and eventual takedown. Kennedy worked from Lawler’s guard, utilizing ground and pound for an extended amount of time, painting the canvas with the blood gushing from the cut he received from Lawler’s uppercut.

The last round began calm with both fighters not engaging much. Lawler seemed to be behind on the scorecards, but didn’t look very urgent in the final round and fans began to boo the competitors in the cage. More non-action continued before Kennedy got a takedown in the final minute on the way to the end of the round and fight.

The judges scored the fight 30-27, 30-27, 30-27 in favor of Kennedy.

“I’m glad the judges see that this is just blood,” Kennedy said following the win. “I get cut. It just happens, so get over it.”

Kennedy wins his second fight in a row after losing to Strikeforce middleweight champion Ronaldo “Jacare” Souza. He has now put himself in a good position to fight the winner of the Souza-Rockhold title fight, which takes place on Sept. 10 in Cincinnati.

Robbie Lawler loses his second fight in a row, dropping his record to 18-8.

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Erik Fontanez is a staff writer for MMAWeekly.com.
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