Ronin5 Martial Arts Blog

Part 1

Part 2

Part 3

Analysis:
The match was a methodical standup battle, which delivered at times and at times tested the crowd’s patience. Lawler took the first round, connecting with solid body kicks after a slow start. Opinion was split on press row over the winner of round two, as Lawler dictated the pace and controlled the cage, but Smith did more damage, including several solid standing elbows near the end. The action heated up midway through the third when the fight was halted. Smith caught an accidental finger in the eye, as Lawler was looking to maintain his distance. The fight was stopped after a rest period. Smith insisted he could continue, but the doctor advised stopping the match. Crowd was not happy with the outcome.