Robbie Lawler’s return to the Octagon last month at UFC 235 didn’t go as planned, as he lost via submission to a bulldog choke against undefeated newcomer Ben Askren.
The end of the fight was shrouded in controversy as referee Herb Dean deemed Lawler lost consciousness after seeing his arm go limp as Askren locked in the choke. Lawler disputed Dean’s decision, claiming he was conscious and giving Dean the thumbs-up.
After the bout, both Lawler and Ultimate Fighting Championship President Dana White said the fight should be rebooked due to the controversial ending sequence, but Askren appeared to want no part of it.