It was one of the most-watched fights in the history of mixed martial arts, and luckily for EliteXC and its major network television debut on CBS, it was also one hell of a fight. "Ruthless" Robbie Lawler (Pictures) stood toe-to-toe with Scott Smith (Pictures) in what was clearly the "Fight of the Night," a perfect precursor to the somewhat deflating main event featuring the grossly overhyped Kevin "Kimbo Slice" Ferguson (Pictures).

The fight ended in a no-contest when an errant finger from EliteXC middleweight champion Lawler poked Smith in his eye in the third round. Since Smith was deemed unfit to continue by cageside physicians, the fight ended thanks to the accidental foul. The battle’s premature ending screamed for an immediate rematch.

Thankfully for fans of straight-up, back-and-forth action, Lawler and Smith will meet again this Saturday at EliteXC: Unfinished Business in Stockton, Calif. Hopefully, the MMA world will receive a decisive victor this time. Sherdog.com sent text messages, phone calls and e-mails to dozens of professional fighters and trainers to get their take on Lawler/Smith II. Forty pros got back with predictions and analysis in advance of the bout, which will anchor EliteXC’s second CBS telecast.

Mac Danzig (Pictures): Both guys are great fighters, but I think Lawler takes this one. Offensively, they are at the same level, but I don’t think Smith has the defense to deal with Lawler’s heavy combos.

Cung Le (Pictures): Robbie by TKO.

Dan Henderson (Pictures): Probably Lawler.

Rob Kimmons (Pictures): Lawler.

Troy Mandaloniz (Pictures): Definitely an exciting one. I say Lawler [by] TKO [in] round two.

Kit Cope (Pictures): Last time, I think Robbie spent an entire round game planning and letting Smith throw himself out, and that looked bad since it was the end of fight. I don’t think Robbie was ever out of the driver’s seat in that fight. I think Robbie will look to finish earlier this time and succeed.

Travis Wiuff (Pictures): I think Lawler takes this one by KO. First fight was very competitive, but I think it’s just a matter of time before Robbie lands the big shot.

Jorge Santiago (Pictures): Lawler by TKO, second round.

Luigi Fioravanti (Pictures): Lawler seems to be the better striker. He needs to work on getting inside and work the body more. Smith does have heavy hands, so Lawler needs good head movement.

Ron Frazier: I pick Robbie Lawler (Pictures) [by] second-round KO.

Zac George (Pictures): Lawler by decision in an exciting fight.

Kevin Randleman (Pictures): My pick is Lawler. You have to beat the champ decisively.

Gina Carano (Pictures): I’m going with Robbie, but it was a great fight last time, so … who knows? Anything can happen. [I’m] looking forward to it.

David Loiseau (Pictures): Lawler in the second or third round.

Rory Markham (Pictures): Lawler [by] KO [or] TKO in round two.

Erik Paulson (Pictures): If Robbie Lawler (Pictures) doesn’t take it easy and just say, ‘Yeah I got my belt back’ and just kept on training, I think he will win the fight. I think Smith was behind last time, but I think it will be another really close fight. I hope it’ll be another exciting match, but it would be exciting if we see Smith win.

Jaime Fletcher (Pictures): Lawler had Smith hurt early in the first fight but didn’t look to finish him. I think Lawler will take care of business this time.

Rich Clementi (Pictures): I think it’s going to be a tough fight, a fan favorite to say the least. I really like both of the guys’ style, but I have to say I think Robbie’s wrestling will nullify Scott’s wrestling. Close fight, but I’m with Robbie. I think he’s a little better at handling [the] pressure of being the main event.

Trevor Prangley (Pictures): Lawler over Smith [by] stoppage.

Travis Lutter (Pictures): Lawler.

Matt Lindland (Pictures): Lawler. He was destroying him the first time but nice to see a couple guys get another pay day when stuff like [the eye poke] happens.

Cole Miller (Pictures): I have to go with Robbie Lawler (Pictures). He was clearly the sharper, crisper boxer of the two in the first bout, and I think hands will be what make the difference. My pick is Lawler by superior boxing and punching.

Skipper Kelp: Lawler [by] KO in round two.

Nathan Marquardt (Pictures): I say Lawler by KO.

Mark Coleman (Pictures): Lawler.

Mike Whitehead (Pictures): Lawler. He’s in his head already.

James Fanshier (Pictures): I think Scott’s proven that he has the heart, the skills and the conditioning he needs to win this fight. He’s proven that in his last fight and previous fights, so I’m picking Scott in this one.

Andrei Arlovski (Pictures): Robbie.

Kevin Burns: I got Lawler winning by TKO or KO [in] round three, but it will be a great fight.

Eddy Millis (Pictures): Lawler by round-two KO.

Cub Swanson (Pictures): Should be an awesome fight, but I think Lawler will get the better of the exchanges.

Jorge Gurgel (Pictures): Lawler [by] KO.

Frank Shamrock (Pictures): Lawler by KO in three.

Cesar Gracie (Pictures): Lawler by TKO in the third.

Mark Selbee: Lawler will deliver a good, old-fashioned, corn-fed, farm boy beat down in the second.

Falaniko Vitale (Pictures): I think Lawler is going to finish Smith this time around.

Shawn Tompkins (Pictures): Lawler is just too experienced and has too many tools for Smith. Lawler will finish this fight in the second round.

Pete Sell (Pictures): Smith by KO [in] round four.

John Hackleman: Lawler.

Brodie Farber (Pictures): I have to go with Lawler.

The Final Tally
Pros Picks for Lawler: 36
Pros Picks for Smith: 2