Johny Hendricks punching Robbie Lawler (photo via UFC / ZUFFA)

By FCF Staff

There are many reasons for fans to get invested in tonight’s UFC 181 headliner between welterweight champ Johny Hendricks and Robbie Lawler, especially because their first battle was one of the year’s best fights.

Of course, the bout is also compelling because it will mark the first time Hendricks has fought since he decisioned Lawler in March. Hendricks underwent surgery to repair a torn bicep following the UFC 171 fight.

Lawler, meanwhile, ensured he locked up a rematch with Hendricks, by defeating Jake Ellenberger and Matt Brown.

Hendricks recently spoke with UFC.com about tonight’s main event bout, and not surprisingly, the champ is clearly prepared for another slugfest.

“I’ve prepared for the worst, and if the best thing happens, then I’ll take it,” Hendricks said. “But I’m preparing that it’s gonna be another 25-minute all-out war and we’re gonna throw punches and get hit and that’s what I’m ready for. If I go in there thinking anything less, it’s dumb.”

UFC 181 will go down at the Mandalay Bay Events Center in Las Vegas, Nevada, and will also see lightweight champion Anthony Pettis take on Gilbert Melendez.