Robbie Lawler: I’m Going To Be Ready To Dominate Rory MacDonald

Going into his first bout with Rory MacDonald (18-2) at UFC 167, current Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) welterweight title holder Robbie Lawler (25-10, 1 NC) was the underdog at +290. “Ruthless” stunned “Red King” with a split decision victory. Heading into their rematch less than two years later, Lawler is still the underdog.

The welterweight ruler told FOX Sports that he isn’t too concerned about the odds:

“That’s just the way it is. Maybe they’re seeing something that I’m not seeing. Everyone’s got an opinion and not all of them are good ones. I’m excited to showcase that I’m the better man. Plain and simple.”

While some may still not be sold on the abilities of “Ruthless” enough to see him best MacDonald a second time, Lawler has the utmost confidence in himself. He says he’s going to show the doubters that they are wrong:

“It’s not more incentive, it’s just going to be more to the story of you guys didn’t believe in me again. I’m going to prove you wrong — again.”

Lawler may be known for his punching power, but he has also proven to be capable of going the distance. The champion says he will be ready to stand toe-to-toe with “Red King” for 25 minutes if necessary:

“I just know that I’m going to be ready for five rounds. I’m going to be ready for five rounds hard and I’m going to be ready to go out there and dominate. I don’t concentrate too much about how he’s coming into it. I’m going to concentrate on how I’m coming into it — ready to go, in shape and healthy.”

UFC 189 takes place on July 11, 2015 from the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas. The main event will feature an interim featherweight title clash between Chad Mendes (17-2) and Conor McGregor (17-2). The event will air on pay-per-view (PPV) with the main card beginning at 10 p.m. ET.