Many prognosticators expected Aaron Simpson to out power Tom Lawlor. Instead he had to survive a brutal and grueling war to get his split decision win.

The very funny Tom Lawlor came out and sent a message to Arizona Combat Sports by repeatedly tagging Aaron Simpson in the first round. But Simpson somehow survived the first round.

Simpson came out in the second shooting for a take down but got stuffed and ate more punches for his troubles. But about a minute into the round, Simpson got the take down but he couldn't keep Lawlor down. Lawlor dominated most of the round, but Simpson scored with punches towards the end of the round.

The third round opened with a furious exchange and both fighters scoring hard shots. Simpson got a major slam but Lawlor got back up and answered with a take down of his own. But Simpson followed up with another take down and got Lawlor's back and sunk in his hooks, working for the rear naked choke. But Lawlor fought him off and survived.