Controversy reared it’s ugly head in the bout, as referee Herb Dean stopped the fight while Lawler was in a bulldog choke, but the fighter wasn’t unconscious or did he tap out.
David Martin is Lawler’s manager and he issued the following statement to MMA News, asking the UFC to book a rematch between Askren and Lawler:
“We acknowledge that Ben is a tremendous fighter; coming back from the beating Robbie gave him demonstrates his grit and shows why he has a strong history of winning. That is undeniable. However, Ben’s comments speak directly to the fact that there was a lot of time left in the round leading to a lot of unknowns. Things could have dramatically changed in the 1:40 remaining in the round, just as they did a minute into the fight. It is unfortunate that Robbie didn’t get his chance to get out of a tough position like Ben was able to do earlier in the round. No one knows, which is why an immediate rematch is warranted. As for an appeal to the commission, nothing has been ruled out. But if this were to occur it would be handled professionally behind closed doors like we do all of our business. Through adversity, Robbie remains a true professional and role model for the sport — someone I certainly want my three boys to look up to.”
Lawler had previously asked for a rematch shortly after the fight, a request that Askren shot down.
