Lawler Knocks Out Manhoef
February 1st, 2010
![]() Spent my last week in Florida with Matt Pena and Hoggie getting Robbie ready for his fight on Showtime. When we all get together it’s a good time no doubt about that and it was nice to get away from the cold weather and spend some time in southern Florida. A lot of people are asking questions on what Robbie’s game plan was and I will say that the game plan wasn’t to get kicked in the leg about 15 times and then knock him out. We wanted to take the fight to the ground, wear him out a little bit and then maybe the second or third round Robbie could stand with him if he wanted, but Melvin did a good job of keeping distance. When Melvin was within takedown range he was always throwing or kicking, the only time he wasn’t throwing or kicking he was just too far away to get ahold of. Every time Robbie flinched like he was going to come towards him, Melvin just backed off. So Robbie never felt comfortable putting a good attempt in to take Melvin down. With all that was going on I’m glad Robbie was able to keep his head and sit back and think about what he’d seen while watching Melvin’s fights on YouTube. Robbie was able to remember something that was a key to the victory: #1 Robbie needed to get Melvin in close so he could put his hands on him. He tried playing possum twice before to see if Melvin would come in for the finish. #2 after watching Melvin fight on YouTube, he realized that Melvin liked to drop his hands when he was going to finish somebody. So it was a good fight and a good victory for Robbie. Melvin also had a good game plan, throwing a lot of those fast powerful kicks, it’s just that Melvin got caught making the same mistake that he has in the past and Robbie was able to capitalize on it. So all in all it was a great trip and I had a good time with my buddies and got some training in. Right now I’m about 2 months out, so my training and my diet will step up. Here shortly I will start morning runs and full week practice. I also have to set my date for going out to Salt Lake City to train with Jeremy. A couple of weeks ago I went out to the Shot Show in Las Vegas. My buddy Pat Flanigan was out there and also all of the new guns and hunting equipment that will be new for 2010. As all of you know I love the outdoor industry so the 2010 Shot Show was something I was looking forward to. It’s also a great place to meet up with all of my friends in the industry. Browning brought me out there but I also sat with Otis, Advanced Armament, and US Optics. So when I wasn’t busy sitting in the booth, Pat Flanigan and I were able to walk around and look at all the cool new stuff. Here’s a video that I found of Pat and I leaving the Otis booth. (If the video is not working, you can click here to watch it.) Training is going good, I feel pretty healthy and I’m looking forward to a good hard week. Here is the Bible verse for this week:
-matt |

















February 1st, 2010 at 2:38 pm
I was worried about those leg kicks…they were brutal!! I would love to go to ShotShow one of these days but from what I understand you got to have connections to get in unless you’re a dealer. Anyway good luck in the Renzo fight…always rooting for you Matt!!
February 1st, 2010 at 5:57 pm
Hey Matt I had a buddy that got to meet you at the shot show, Cal Ferguson from the Predator Pursuit show. He said you were a really nice guy. I am happy for Robbie and I will be praying for your training to go well.
February 1st, 2010 at 8:50 pm
Matt, Awesome blog, I’m glad for Robbie, I hope I get to see that fight on youtube or somewhere. Keep training hard, I can’t wait to see you in the octagon again. God Bless.
February 1st, 2010 at 9:49 pm
[...] Note: Check out the rest of Matt’s blog entry here. [...]
February 2nd, 2010 at 4:31 am
[...] doesn’t mean it wasn’t part of the plan. Manhoef just never gave him any good openings. Hughes explains on his blog. A lot of people are asking questions on what Robbie’s game plan was and I will say that the game [...]
February 2nd, 2010 at 7:47 am
[...] doesn’t mean it wasn’t part of the plan. Manhoef just never gave him any good openings. Hughes explains on his blog. A lot of people are asking questions on what Robbie’s game plan was and I will say that the game [...]
February 2nd, 2010 at 9:25 am
I was on my way down there from Tampa/St.Pete to meet y’all and see the fight, and I’ve been all hyped up for it, and on my way I get side swiped by a semi, so needless to say, it wrecked my day. :( Maybe next time y’all are in FL.
February 2nd, 2010 at 12:37 pm
Thats awsome Matt1 Big win for Robby, I was happy to see him take the victory! Keep on truckin matt
February 2nd, 2010 at 11:14 pm
Hey Matt. I thought you would like this article about a church youth group practicing mixed martial arts. It made the front page of the New York Times this week.
http://www.nytimes.com/2010/02/02/us/02fight.html?emc=eta1
Anyway, best of luck in your training. Take care, and god bless.
-Bill
February 3rd, 2010 at 5:49 pm
why wont robby fight in the ufc??
February 3rd, 2010 at 11:46 pm
It’s primarily because of contract issues between the folding of EliteXC and the formation of Strikeforce.
February 6th, 2010 at 12:47 am
Matt, any comment on the upcoming Trigg/Serra fight? I’m sure you’re sick of talking about both of them, but given that you have “histories” (and wins!) against both, I’d like to know your take on the fight.
Also, get Robbie in some acting classes. That playing possum wasn’t very convincing. ;) Amazing fight, though. Tell Robbie congrats!
February 7th, 2010 at 11:39 am
Way to go Robbie!
GOOD LUCK SAINTS!!!!
WHO DAT!!!!!
February 7th, 2010 at 12:57 pm
Just wanted to say “Congrats!” to Robbie and I know neither you or Robbie can help the process of it, but I really would like to see a Lawler vs Diaz rematch, I believe Robbie is far too experienced and grown-up now to let Diaz get the better of him with that dumb trash talking. I can’t stand when Nick feels he has to distract every opponent with that crap, and I believe Robbie is one of the few guys who could really shut him up finally!:) And also, I don’t want to rush you on updating your site too much, but I am VERY curious to see what you thought of Trigg getting knocked out by Matt Serra last night! Can’t wait to hear your thoughts and see you fight again soon! Good Luck with Renzo, I pray for a good fight and for both your safety! I also hope all is well with the new addition to the family!:)
February 9th, 2010 at 5:28 am
This is a little off subject, but I was very, very happy when Matt Hughs kicked gracies ass sara the homo. Great fight
February 15th, 2010 at 11:35 am
Hi Matt , God Bless, I am 39 just getting to into MMA training , and am a Christian . !
its great to see God can be glorified with guys like you in the UFC ! what a testimony !
Peace Brother !
Rich F – NJ
myplaneman70@gmail.com
February 15th, 2010 at 7:56 pm
CONGRATS ON THE FIGHT WITH ROBBIE! LOOKING FOWARD TO YOUR FIGHT WITH GRACIE,PRAY HARD TRAIN HARD VICTORY IS YOURS…
GOD BLESS,BE PRAYING FOR YA
PASTOR CHAD
February 16th, 2010 at 7:35 pm
I was wondering with Matt always being gone how that affects his church life? I have seen you guys post on a Wednesday night mens group. Does Matt participate with that?
February 16th, 2010 at 9:26 pm
I just want you to know that i’m a huge fan of yours and your an amazing fighter. I watch every fight i can of yours. It is my dream to one day be the Girls Unltimate Fighter Champion, I’ll fight till my last breath. I have a passion for fighting that iv’e never had for anything else in my life and i just wanted you to know that you are a big part of that. You fight with such heart and power. Maybe one day you will see me on the big screen rockin someones world. I would love to meet you one day and maybe get a few pointers. Well I just wanted you to know that you are in my hall of fame no doubt.
February 27th, 2010 at 11:37 am
I have a quick question, how much do you bench press? Squat??