UFC 235 video: Ben Askren gets win over Robbie Lawler after botched call from referee

As one of the key bouts in UFC 235, top welterweights Robbie Lawler and Ben Askren faced off in the main card. The bout was mired in controversy. Lawler was ahead by a mile, bloodying and busting up Askren, up until Herb Dean botched a call when he thought the former champion went out from a bulldog choke — he didn’t.

Check below for highlights, along with a snippet from our play-by-play of the event.

Robbie Lawler vs. Ben Askren

Round 1 - Askren immediately shoots and is rebuffed. He’s holding onto him though, but Lawler slams Askren to the mat on his head! He beat the hell out of him with huge punches! Askren looked to be out for a second but they let it continue. He’s got a big cut from and elbow. Askren is back up, but he eats a knee to the body. His face is the crimson mask. Askren gets a hold of Lawler against the cage. Knees to the belly from Lawler. They’re hand fighting. Askren slows the pace but he can’t get Lawler to the mat, at least not yet. He’s low on the legs now. He locks the hands and puts Lawler on his butt. He looks for a choke, then transitions to a bulldog choke! Herb Dean stops it, but Lawler was fine. Oh no. That’s the worst way possible for that to go. To be fair to Herb though, Lawler wasn’t responding to his commands and his arm did drop. I don’t know what to think.

Ben Askren defeated Robbie Lawler via submisson (bulldog choke), 3:20 of round 1