Issue 158

September 2017

Strikeforce: Miami – Robbie Lawler KO1 Melvin Manhoef, a divine counterpunch proves the savior of ‘Ruthless.’

A divine counterpunch proves the savior of ‘Ruthless.’

Strikeforce: Miami – Robbie Lawler KOs Melvin Manhoef

A matchup of two of the most violent strikers to ever grace a cage was never going to last long. When Scott Coker’s Strikeforce put Dutch kickboxing aggression against Iowa-honed grit in February 2010, betting your house on a knockout would actually have been a savvy investment.

Robbie Lawler and Melvin Manhoef didn’t disappoint, but it was one-way traffic for 99% of the fight. The future UFC 170lb champ was lit up for three-and-a-half minutes, as ‘No Mercy’ brutalized him with kicks that looked like they might amputate his leg and send it into orbit.

But just when Lawler was grimacing and starting to limp, he changed the fight in an instant…

NO QUIT IN HIM

“That was a brutal fight,” Lawler recalls. “I could have quit at any time. There was a time when I asked myself if I could still go. I could go. I felt something tear in my knee but I could still walk, I could move, so it was like, let’s see what happens.”

STEP 1

Manhoef lands a powerful inside low kick that makes Lawler’s leg touch the sky. The American winces as the shot lands, while his opponent closes in to go for the kill.

STEP 2

‘Ruthless’ covers up and throws a last-gasp overhand right. His fist connects direct with the Dutchman’s chin and he topples over.

It’s the first punch he lands – and the fight is already over.

STEP 3

Lawler has one of the best killer instincts in MMA. He connects with a further left hook as Manhoef goes down and hammers the final coffin nail with his right as he hits the mat.