By Ed Diokno
Filipino American Robbie Lawler was knocked out Saturday night by Tyron Woodley in UFC 302.
Woodley needed just over 2:00 minutes to score a stunning knockout and claim the UFC welterweight championship.
A championship belt in the Ultimate Fighting Championship is tenuous, but Lawler looked like he was comfortable enough to retain the crown for some time since he earned the title in 2014. With the victory, Woodley became the seventh new UFC champion crowned in as many months this year.
Woodley, a team mate of Lawler for American Top Team, said he knew that Lawler would be prepared for more wrestling because of Woodley’s background. Woodley caught Lawler with an overhand right that sent the Filipino American fighter sprawling. A few minutes later and after a round of punches from Woodley, the referee called the fight.
“It is what it is,” said Lawler (27-11, 1 NC). “He feinted me, my hand was down and he came over the top and caught me.”
