Robbie Lawler not interested in letting any man take his UFC welterweight belt
Those who know him best say it takes a little more effort than with most fighters to get UFC welterweight champion Robbie Lawler to elaborate on his thoughts.
Similar to his late-round heroics to produce fight-of-the-year showings against Rory MacDonald in 2015 and Carlos Condit on Jan. 2, the wait is worth it.
The 34-year-old Lawler (26-10) returns to the octagon in the main event of UFC 201 July 30 in Atlanta against fourth-ranked contender Tyron Woodley (15-3).
Woodley’s overall technique and ability to bring pressure indicates another compelling meeting, but his interest in wrestling could take some of the heat off Lawler following the past two toe-to-toe battles, and the champion admitted at a luncheon with reporters Monday in Los Angeles, “I’m sick of fight of the years.
“Woodley has tremendous athleticism, brings a lot of technique – well-rounded fighter. I expect him to wrestle, move around, [know] that wherever the fight goes, he feels safe. But I always feel like I’m able to put the fight where I want it to go. Five rounds is a long time to find your way around it,” he said.
Lawler has asserted that in out-grinding MacDonald and Condit, refusing to wilt from punches that might’ve broken lesser men and responding with hurtful punches of his own.
“Everyone’s out there trying to take what’s mine, and they’re going to have to fight me for it,” Lawler said. “My coaches have done a good job of tightening my skills, where I can dictate a little bit more where the fight is going … I’m in shape, I’m technical.
“Now, guys are in trouble. All the years of training and fighting has all come together. I make sure what the coaches are telling me I’m capable of doing, and capable of doing at a high level.
“Push comes to shove, I’m a fighter. I’m going to force someone to fight me. To take what I have, they’re going to have to have more than skill and technique. It’s a lot of heart, a lot of determination. That’s just who I am. I’m not messing around out there. I’m not giving it away.”
Lawler, a former Strikeforce champion who has also fought in the now-defunct organization Elite XC, said being educated from the hard knocks of low purses and old-school methods and attitudes gives him a leg up.
“A guy who got in the sport in 2000, who drove a four-door minivan, you think I’m worried about going [another] five rounds with somebody?” Lawler said.
Grabbing the brass ring hasn’t stopped his push.
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“I feel like I have more to prove. When I get out there in training, I enjoy myself … it’s something I do that’s hard to explain,” Lawler said.
Although the calendar sets up nicely for Lawler to meet Aug. 20 UFC 202 headliner Nate Diaz of Stockton in what would be Lawler’s first super-fight should he win and Diaz defeats Conor McGregor again, Lawler isn’t expecting it to happen.
“He’s a [lightweight], everyone knows that,” Lawler said. “That’s where he wants to be. I’m a rough guy.”
Lawler said he hasn’t been approached, either, about fighting former champion Georges St.-Pierre, who has been rumored to be pondering a return from retirement. “I don’t think that’s going to happen,” he said.
Lawler’s appearance came a day after it was officially announced that Beverly Hills talent agency WME-IMG had purchased the UFC from Chairman Lorenzo Fertitta for $4 billion.
“All of the fighters have been involved in building the brand, but I don’t really concentrate on that stuff that’s out of my control,” Lawler said.
He said speculation that WME-IMG will lift some of the top UFC fighters into national prominence with access to film and commercial roles was an unknown and something he’s not banking on.
“You want to see me act?” Lawler asked. “Let’s stay in our lane.”
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