Few individuals get second chances in the world of mixed martial arts. There are so many examples of new stars that rise to the top, only to quickly fizzle out when it is proven that they aren’t ready for the spotlight. There was a time when Robbie Lawler would have been considered a part of that group. However, he’s proving the exact opposite during this second run in the UFC.
Lawler walked out of UFC 167 having pulled off a major upset win over Rory MacDonald. Many believed that “Ares” would be able to draw the “Ruthless” one into a slow-paced fight that would fit his style. However, it was Lawler that was able to dictate the pace of the fight, and keep the pressure in MacDonald’s face, just enough pressure to earn the split decision victory. This was his third-straight win in the Octagon, and it couldn’t have come at a better time, considering the uncertainty that hangs over the welterweight division.
Returning to the UFC as a welterweight seems to be exactly what the Florida native needed. Sustained success seemed to continually escape Lawler since the end of the EliteXC organization. As a member of Strikeforce, he alternated wins and losses for most of his time there. While he was able to defeat some of the minor names sent his way, whenever he was matched against an elite middleweight, he went down in defeat. Lawler’s inconsistent record had many thinking that his brawling style hadn’t changed much since his early career. He’s still knocking guys out in his second stint on the UFC’s roster, but he looks very calculating while doing so.
During his UFC 167 post-fight media scrum, UFC President Dana White spoke very highly of Lawler and his second run in the UFC. White gave the impression that he has a soft spot for the young guy who made his first appearance for the promotion back in 2002 at the age of 20. White talked about how Lawler was chasing money back then, but has matured since those times. That maturity seems to have helped him turn a corner in his career at precisely the most opportune moment to do so.
Although rumors are circulating both ways, a long term departure by Georges St. Pierre may necessitate the UFC creating another interim welterweight title. Lawler’s penchant for turning his opponents’ lights out in highlight reel fashion has caused fans to clamor for him to be included in title discussions. If so, he would leapfrog competitors such as Dong Hyun Kim, Jake Shields, Demian Maia, and others. However, even though his three wins in 2013 are impressive, and may win him a Comeback of the Year award, Lawler should not be considered a top contender in one of the deepest divisions in the sport.
An older, wiser, but still violent Robbie Lawler has put the MMA world on notice. The move to welterweight and return to the UFC has done his career well. He went from a mid-card Strikeforce fighter to a fringe contender at 170 pounds. 2013 was great to Lawler, and he’s set himself up to have an even better 2014.
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UFC 167: St. Pierre vs. Hendricks took place on November 16, 2013 at the Mandalay Bay Events Center in Las Vegas, Nevada.
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