Having missed about eight months of action due to a biceps injury, Robbie Lawler steps into the ring tonight with his middleweight belt on the line vs. Scott Smith.
Only hours away from what many feel could be MMA’s platform to mainstream success, it’s hard to believe a potential barn burner for the Middleweight Championship has gone under the radar.
With all the attention and media focusing on EliteXC’s poster fighters – Gina Carano, Phil Baroni and Kimbo Slice – Middleweight Champion and MMA veteran “Ruthless” Robbie Lawler finds himself in a rare advantage of defending a title without the customary exterior responsibilities or pressures. Lawler (15-4 overall), since his departure from the UFC, accumulated a 6-2 record and is 4-0 LT4. Robbie has fought some really quality fighters and his last defeat was against the always tough Jason Miller in the third by submission.
Scott Smith walks into this fight with a 13-4 overall record and is riding a solid 3-1 LT4. Smith is extremely heavy handed with 11 of his 13 wins by TKO. Smith much like Lawler has enjoyed some success after his 3 fight stints with the UFC where he fell 0-3. Smith has good hands and decent counter striking. Smith at any point can connect and hurt an opponent from any angle. He’s very dangerous and has the greatest opportunity of his career Saturday night. Many including myself feel Smith hasn’t earned a title shot and is lacking the overall skill set and big fight experience to win versus a savvy powerful striker such as Lawler.
Lawler over the last few years has matured in the ring and is utilizing an all around skill set that is setting the bar in his division. I have seen great improvement in his ring presence, Lawler’s run-and-gun striking style years ago has developed into a methodical and patient stand up that allows him to dictate the fight and be in complete control. Combine this with his ground training and take-down defence in his new camp, which he has a big part in with Matt Hughes, I cannot see how Smith can bring anything to the ring that will allow him to win beyond one lucky punch. Normally in a situation like this where two heavy hands are pitted against each other we would take the dog value, but not tonight.
Lawler successfully defends his title against an opponent who isn’t quite ready for the title pressure, skill set and maturity of a new and improved relaxed Robbie Lawler.
Just a heads up Gina didnt make weight 144 lb , she only had 3 weeks to train for this fight .She was taping American Gladitors and was around 155-160lbs on the show.
She admited she didnt want to fight tonight , but it was in here contract , She has trained 3 weeks for this fight she still looked good at weigh ins , I think she will win but wont lay the chalk on her at -320 .
Katlein Young is 4-1 fighter , She was very cut up , she has been training for the last 9 weeks for this fight ( trains with Minn Fight camp Sean sherk and Brock lesnar and many others train ) She has pretty good stand up and is hungry should be a great fight . I might lay a few dollars on here at +260.
Dont reallly like the card tonight for betting . My predictions .
Kimbo -550 KO 1st rnd
Lawler - 260 2nd rnd TKO
K Young + 260 bye split decision
Brett Rogers -250 1st rnd KO
Phil Baroni + 105 2nd round TKO ( the NY bad ass needs this fight bad , Joey Villsanor might take this but he is on short notice for this fight )
I might make a few parlays but no big money on these fight tonight , I like the WEC card tommorrow for bets .
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Elite XC (Saturday, May 31)
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stupid move on my part! 
