Lawler Looking Forward to Time Off After Tough Win

Strikeforce middleweight contender Robbie Lawler scored a Hail Mary victory over Dutch striker Melvin Manhoef Saturday night in Sunrise, Fla. The former Elite XC champion was on the run the entire first round and was on the receiving end of a slew of devastating leg kicks before he unloaded a vicious right hand that riddled Manhoef late in the opening period. Lawler caught up with Sherdog.com after his surprising win and discussed the thinking behind his strategy to stand and why he was unwilling to even attempt a takedown during the fight. The hard-hitting veteran also discusses his relationship with Strikeforce, something that was under a bit of strain after his scheduled December fight was scrapped.