Lorenz Larkin makes impressive debut at middleweight, defeats Robbie Lawler via unanimous decision
The Strikeforce middleweight division has a new contender in it’s midst following tonight’s opening main card bout in Portland, Oregon, as undefeated heavy hitter, Lorenz Larkin defeated veteran, Robbie Lawler via unanimous decision after winning all three rounds.
Front kick early from Lawler. The two circle and Lawler lands a big right hand which hurts Larkin. Lawler looks to press the action and keep the pressure on as he presses Larkin up against the cage. Trip takedown by Larkin who immediately switches to his ground and pound. Lawler ties Larkin up in his guard before scrambling back to his feet. Larkin stays on the veteran and presses Lawler against the cage where the two exchange knees. Larkin lands a number of elbows and uppercuts on the inside but Lawler keeps moving forward. Big knee from Larkin to end the round. MMABay scores the round 10-9 Larkin.
The two men kick simultaneously. The pace slows from what is was in the first round but Larkin is still the one in ascendancy. Straight right from Larkin hurts Lawler who covers up. Lawler clinches and puts Larkin up against the fence, looking for some sort of control. Lawler looks for the takedown but Larkin drops down looking for the guillotine. Lawler escapes and the two men scramble to the feet. Lawler presses forward and puts Larkin up against the fence. The two exchange positions up against the cage before the referee separates them. Larkin grazes the head of Lawler with a kick before the bell sounds. MMABay scores the round 10-9 Larkin.
Lawler comes forward looking to land punches and kicks to the body. Lawler is looking for the kill, possibly knowing he’s two rounds down. Lawler looks for the takedown up against the cage but Larkin defends well. Big left-hook, straight right combination from Lawler. Larkin lands a left hook before missing with a spinning back-fist. Head kick from Lawler is blocked. Teep kick from Larkin as he moves forward. Lawler is looking to find a home for his left hook but misses. Leg kick from Larkin before following up with the jab. Nice combination from Larkin followed by a series of elbows. Knees to the body by Lawler to end the fight. MMABay scores the round 10-9 Larkin.
The judges scored the bout 30-27, 30-27, 30-27 in favour of Larkin.
By Michael Pepper. (Follow me on Twitter)
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Photo by Esther Lin – STRIKEFORCE
