Tyron Woodley KOs Fil-Am Robbie Lawler to win UFC title

MANILA, Philippines – A 17-month hiatus did not prevent Tyron Woodley to deliver a spectacular performance to capture his first mixed martial arts world championship in his 19-bout career. 

Woodley knocked out Filipino-American fighter Robbie Lawler in the main event of UFC 201 on Saturday, July 30 (Sunday, July 31, Manila time) at the Philips Arena in Atlanta, Georgia, to walk out with the organization’s welterweight belt around his waist. 

The 34-year-old standout from St. Louis, Missouri captured the 170-pound weight class’ top prize by stopping Lawler at 2:12 of the first round, which is now the fastest finish in UFC welterweight championship history. 

Sidelined since January 2015, Woodley got the job done by throwing a solid overhand right and then punctuated it with 6 follow-up blows on the mat to compel referee Dan Miragliotta to step in and halt the contest. 

With his impressive victory over Lawler, Woodley improves his professional record to 16-3 and becomes the ninth UFC welterweight titleholder. 

In addition, he is the second combatant to hand a knockout defeat to Lawler, who was denied of his third successful title defense. 

Meanwhile, Lawler downgrades his prizefighting win-loss slate to 27-11 (1 no contest). – Rappler.com