UFC 235 live blog: Robbie Lawler vs. Ben Askren

This is the UFC 235 live blog for Robbie Lawler vs. Ben Askren, a welterweight bout at Saturday’s UFC event at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.

Lawler, a former UFC champion who is coming off of a unanimous decision loss to Rafael dos Anjos, faces Askren, a former Bellator and ONE champion who is unbeaten in 19 pro bouts, on the main card.

Check out the UFC 235 live blog below.

Round 1: The referee for this bout will be Herb Dean. Askren immediately shoots in for a double leg and Lawler sprawls. They grapple for a moment and Lawler just slams Askren down before unloading with punches. He looks to land a dozen unanswered blows and Dean lets Askren absorb the punishment. Somehow he survives and this one goes back to the feet. Askren’s face is covered in blood. They clinch up against the fence and it looks like Askren is still in recovery mode. He’s taking knees to the body from Lawler. Askren getting low but Lawler’s hips are wide. Askren with the trip and he gets on top. Lawler gives up his back briefly and Askren goes for a bulldog choke. Dean thinks that Lawler has gone limp and he waves it off. Immediate protest from Lawler, but he’s remaining cordial with Dean. Extremely controversial finish.

Official result: Ben Askren def. Robbie Lawler via submission (bulldog choke) at 3:20 of round one