UFC 236 post fight presser: Kamaru Usman, new UFC Welterweight champion

The long-awaited UFC debut of 2008 Olympian Ben Askren certainly didn’t lack for excitement, with the unbeaten newcomer having to survive the roughest moments of his pro career before scoring a first-round submission win over former world welterweight champion Robbie Lawler.

Lawler stunned the crowd and Askren with a slam as the bout began, and a barrage of ground strikes opened up Askren’s face and nearly finished the fight, but the Wisconsin product was able to survive and get back to his feet. After eating a couple hard knees, Askren was able to lock Lawler up against the fence and sink in a bulldog choke. Lawler’s arm dropped in the midst of the choke, prompting referee Herb Dean to stop the fight at the 3:20 mark of the opening round, but as soon as Askren released the choke Lawler protested that he wasn’t out.

The final call stood, with Askren moving to 19-0 with 1 NC. The No. 6-ranked Lawler, who was making his first start since December 2017, falls to 28-13 with 1 NC.