UFC Fight Night 20 Results: Aaron Simpson comes from behind to defeat Tom Lawlor by controversial split decision

Published on: 11th January, 2010

UFC Fight Night 20 Results: Aaron Simpson comes from behind to defeat Tom Lawlor by controversial split decision | read this item

Photo: Sherdog.com

Ultimate Fighter product Tom Lawlor came into the Octagon tonight at Fight Night 20 looking for his second consecutive win over a Arizona state wrestler, after defeating Aaron Simpson’s teammate CB Dollaway at UFC 100.

Lawlor started off very strong and almost finished Simpson three times with punches. Lawlor looked great, but let Simpson off the hook in the closing moments of the round and paid for it dearly as he was able to regain his composure. I personally believed that Lawlor’s three knock downs were enough to merit a 10-8 round on the score cards, after Simpson’s legs wobbled for more then half the round.

In the second round Lawlor still looked good and was still effective, but Simpson came back and was able to score takedowns and lands some punches of his own. Overall the round was close, but Simpson did enough to earn the round in my eyes. Lawlor pulling guard in the end of the round may have appeared as a takedown for Simpson as well.

In Round 3 Simpson came on strong and slammed Lawlor after landing a double leg takedown, but only moments later Lawlor returned the favor. After the takedown it appeared that Lawlor banged his head on the mat or gassed really badly. Simpson was able to win the round with crisp striking and landing another takedown.

In the end the judges scored the very close fight a split decision for Aaron Simpson and the Fairfax, Virginia began to “boo” as he accepted the win over Lawlor.

It appeare the fight could have been a split draw, but the judges once again showed you never know what score you might get when leaving a fight in their hands.

Alberto Martinez "The Narcisist" is the founding owner of URDirt.com. If you would like to post on the front page or in our New "Fan Jab" section all you need to do is register. Read more from this author