PREVIEW | Robbie Lawler set to retire at UFC 290

‘Ruthless’ Robbie Lawler’s final showdown inside the patented UFC octagon is due this weekend on International Fight Week at the-T Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada. In what will be an occasion to remember for decades to come, the former welterweight champion is scheduled to compete against Niko Price in his retirement bout.

Price (15-6) and Lawler (29-16) are set for a three round battle in the 170lbs division, as either men’s career trajectory looks to be on two extreme ends. As Lawler looks to depart from his fighting career on a victorious note, Price will be in pursuit of adding Lawler’s reputed and accomplished name to his resume.

Both men are looking to pick up a victory, having lost their previous bouts. While this remains a retirement contest for the ruthless one, Price will be vying to make a statement at the expense of Lawler.

A traditional southpaw, Lawler was known for his chin and durability, granting him the license to march forward and absorbing strikes without being hurt. The twilight years of his career, however, have been a stark contrast to his prime years, as expected. But the downfall has been one to forget. Lawler’s approach has been risk averse, which keeps him on the backfoot against his opponents.

Niko Price, in comparison, is an orthodox striker who utilises his own striking skillset to nullify the threats of his opponents. The 33 year old has, however, been renowned for engaging in brawls rather than strategically guiding himself to victory.

Having arrived in the promotion as a young adult who was merely seeking an opportunity to showcase his ability and skillset, Lawler draws the curtain on a long and stellar career with over two decades worth of experiences and memories and multiple championships in the UFC and EliteXC.

Lawler earned his stripes throughout the course of his 22 year career. A 5-0 prospect at 20 with the UFC, Lawler was ultimately let go by Dana White after two years with the company, having failed to renegotiate a new contract, in the aftermath of successive defeats to Nick Diaz and Evan Tanner, respectively.

The mixed martial arts veteran opted not to let a sour moment define his career and spent the next eight years competing for multiple promotions. Lawler eventually returned to the organisation with whom he made his name in 2013.

It was his second stint that enabled the UFC faithful to appreciate him for his candor nature and callous
fighting style. A reincarnattion, so to speak. With the UFC, Lawler tasted his greatest moments of success.

He captured the UFC welterweight championship in 2014, as he settled his score with Johny Hendricks, having lost the first match for the vacant title the prior year.

As the 170lbs champion, Robbie Lawler accumulated two title defenses in historic fights against Carlos Condit and Rory MacDonald. The latter is still touted by many as the greatest fight of all time and was inducted into the UFC Hall of Fame earlier this week.

The 40 year old’s career consists of a myriad of highlight reels and spectacular moments, but none as sublime as his triumph over MacDonald.

With ‘Ruthless’ calling it time at long last, it’s paramount to acknowledge his substantial contributions to the sport.

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