No More Decisions: Robbie Lawler Wants The Finish At UFC 189
Robbie Lawler has made a name for himself by being “Ruthless”. The tough and gritty southpaw has brutal power and is known for putting opponents away in deadly fashion, but he has not been able to do that as of late.
Lawler has only scored one finish in his last four bouts, with three of the last four turning out to be five-round decisions.
It all started when he took on Johny Hendricks. The two first faced off for the vacant UFC welterweight title back at UFC 171 in March 2014. The fight turned out to be one of the best of the year, a back and forth, very close five-round decision. However, “Ruthless” did not get the nod, and Hendricks became the champion.
Lawler returned to his old form with a brutal finish over Jake Ellenberger at UFC 173 in May 2014, but took part in another very close, five-round decision when he met Matt “The Immortal” Brown at UFC on FOX 12 last July. The American Top Team Product was able to get the victory, however, and earn a rematch with Hendricks at UFC 181 in December 2014.
The rematch was very similar to the first go around, as the two men battled it out in a close knit five-round affair. This time, however, Lawler was able to push himself in the championship rounds, earning a split-decision victory and taking the belt in the process. Although Lawler is now the current champion, the fight could’ve gone either way.
It was recently announced, that the “Ruthless” one will make his first title defense in another rematch, this time with Canadian superstar Rory “Red King” MacDonald at UFC 189 next summer. The two first fought at UFC 167 in November 2013, and just like in the last Hendricks fight, Lawler earned a split-decision win. He did actually drop MacDonald towards the end of the fight, but wasn’t able to put him away.
As he approaches his first defense, it looks as if Lawler is sick of the close decisions and is looking to get back to his “Ruthless” roots. Speaking with Fox Sports, the champion said he is looking for the finish in the rematch:
“Rory’s one of the top guys and my coach said we’re going to have to fight him again sometime. I think it will be a new and improved fight. I think things will be different, but I want a finish,” Lawler said.
“I’m looking to finish people. I don’t like going to decisions. I always try to finish people, knock them out, beat them up, and that’s always the game plan.”
UFC 189 is set to go down on July 11, 2015 from the MGM Grand in Las Vegas, Nevada. Lawler vs. MacDonald will serve as the co-main event, while featherweight king Jose Aldo puts his title on the line against “The Notorious” Conor McGregor in the main event.
Will Lawler be able to get the finish and prove himself as a true champion?
