While Carlos Condit ponders on retirement, Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) champion Robbie Lawler continues to collect praises.
Even though some feel otherwise, it remains that Lawler has something that fighters rarely have — the ability to rebound just when you thought he was hurt.
He showed that after being hit early in that match, eventually managing to compose himself which was enough to gain the nod of the judges.
Never mind that Condit almost doubled the strikes Lawler had, it was about how to keep things close and well, exciting. And that last part is what left UFC president Dana White in awe, calling Lawler the UFC's version of boxing legend Evander Holyfield via Fox Sports.
To his credit, Lawler has been in other exciting matches, the most recent of which was, of course, one that involved him and Rory MacDonald.
Counting his win against Condit, that makes two successful title defenses for Lawler. And as to whom he will face next remains up in the air.
If earlier calls are to be followed, next in line is his part-time teammate Tyron Woodley. But then again, Lawler did come out in the post-interview and said he would be willing to give Condit a rematch if he wanted one.
So as it stands right now, Lawler prefers not to talk about whom he will fight next. Rather, he will leave all that at the hands of White and the UFC.
With that clash still fresh in the minds of many (including Condit), it may be wise to wait for the heat to simmer down. Emotions are still running high and there is one thing that has to be settled — is Condit serious about calling it a career or not?
While he claims that his retirement plan was not based on emotions, not everyone is buying it. Condit was, apparently, disappointed at the results; but perhaps there was something the judges considered (at least three of them) that allowed Lawler to win that fight.
