Johny Hendricks vs. Robbie Lawler – UFC 171 Preview and Prediction

For the first time since 2008, the UFC is set to crown a new 170-lb king as Johny “Bigg Rigg” Hendricks and “Ruthless” Robbie Lawler will fight for the vacant welterweight championship on March 15, 2014 at the American Airlines Center in Dallas, Texas.

In the co-main event, former interim welterweight champion Carlos Condit will face former Strikeforce contender Tyron Woodley in a possible #1 contender bout to face the winner of Hendricks-Lawler.

UFC 171 Odds and Betting Lines: Johny Hendricks vs. Robbie Lawler

Main Card

Class | Fighters
Welterweight | Johny Hendricks (-425) vs. Robbie Lawler (+325)
Welterweight | Carlos Condit (-185) vs. Tyron Woodley (+165)
Lightweight | Myles Jury (-180) vs. Diego Sanchez (+160)
Welterweight | Hector Lombard (-220) vs. Jake Shields (+180)
Light Heavyweight | Ovince St. Preux (-380) vs. Nikita Krylov (+300)

Betting on Johny Hendricks

[sc:UFC240banner ]Despite giving long-reigning champion Georges St-Pierre arguably the toughest battle of his illustrious career, Hendricks lost via controversial split decision in their title fight in UFC 167 last November. The loss ended Hendricks’ six-fight winning streak, though many pundits believed that Hendricks should have won the fight. Hendricks is now a heavy -425 favorite to claim St-Pierre’s vacated belt.

Hendricks is renowned for the one-punch knockout power in his left hand, which he used to knock out Jon Fitch and Martin Kampmann in highlight fashion. Though he didn’t knock St-Pierre out, he visibly hurt the champ on several occasions with his punches. Hendricks may also opt to use his superior wrestling against the striker Lawler as he did against Carlos Condit in a unanimous decision win.

Betting on Robbie Lawler

After losing three of his last four fights in the now-defunct Strikeforce, Lawler has begun his UFC career in impressive fashion. Lawler defeated former welterweight contender Josh Koscheck in his octagon debut via first-round TKO, and KO’d Bobby Voelker seconds into the second round. He finally earned a title shot by beating the highly-rated Rory MacDonald via split decision last November.

Lawler, a +325 underdog, is a very dangerous striker. Although he’s not quite as powerful as Hendricks, he offers a diverse striking attack, with lethal leg kicks to go along with very good boxing. 18 of his 22 career wins have come by knockout.

Prediction

Hendricks is a superior fighter, as his -425 odds make plainly clear. Either via knockout or grinding decision, the belt will leave Big D on Bigg Rigg’s waist.

Hendricks-Lawler is just the beginning of a great card. Check out all the UFC 171 odds and bet on your favorite fighters today with Top Bet, America’s best online sportsbook.
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