UFC 171's main event was an all-time great championship bout between Johny Hendricks and Robbie Lawler. Their match was an instant classic and was everything that is great about high-level MMA drama. It was back and forth, it was an emotional roller coaster, and both fighters had compelling stories coming into the match.

Johny Hendricks as UFC Welterweight Champion gives the promotion an excellent sense of continuity as his fight with retired champion Georges St-Pierre can be framed as a torch-passing moment. Hendricks has great star potential for the UFC, who will cash in on his exciting fights and folksy charm.

The fight was outstanding as Hendricks took charge early and Lawler came storming back in the middle rounds. It all came down to the 5th round and both fighters bared their souls looking for victory. And even that final round was a back-and-forth battle that Hendricks took over late, hurting Lawler badly with left hands and then sealing the fight with a takedown and pinning Lawler for the final thirty seconds of the fight.

The fight was a fantastic way to ring in the post St-Pierre era in the Welterweight division, and we can only hope to be treated to more title fights of that caliber.

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