UFC legend ‘Ruthless’ Robbie Lawler is set to retire from mixed martial arts following his July 8 bout with Niko Price.
The former welterweight champion will make his final walk to the Octagon at UFC 290 when the promotion returns to T-Mobile Arena during its annual International Fight Week extravaganza. Dana White revealed that Lawler would be hanging up his gloves following the summertime event on social media.
“I found Robbie Lawler when he was 19 years old and UFC 290 will be final fight of his amazing 22 year career,” White announced.
Two days prior to his bout with Niko Price, Lawler will be inducted into the UFC Hall of Fame alongside former foe Rory MacDonald for their iconic clash in 2015, a fight many fans consider to be the greatest of all time.
“The fight between Robbie Lawler and Rory MacDonald at UFC 189 was one of the most exciting fights in UFC history,” White said in a news release. “This was an absolute war and a complete display of heart, grit, determination and the will to win from both athletes. This five-round classic will always be remembered as one of the best, and I can’t wait to induct this fight into the UFC Hall of Fame this summer.”
An instant classic is headed to the #UFCHOF 🙌@Ruthless_RL vs @Rory_MacDonald 2 will officially go down in UFC history!
[ B2YB @ToyoTires ] pic.twitter.com/x546ghwaH8
— UFC (@ufc) April 9, 2023
It will be a big night for former representatives of Miletich Fighting Systems in Bettendorf, IA as both Robbie Lawler and inaugural UFC lightweight champion Jens Pulver will be honored for their contributions to the UFC during the 2023 Hall of Fame ceremony. MFS also produced former world champions including Tim Sylvia, Matt Hughes, and the proprietor of MFS himself, Pat Miletich.
Debuting for the promotion all the way back at UFC 37, Lawler reached the top of the mountain 12 years later, defeating Johny Hendricks for the welterweight championship at UFC 181. He would go on to defend the title twice, including his legendary battle with Rory MacDonald. ‘Ruthless’ has dropped six of his last eight ever since surrendering the 170-pound title to former champion Tyron Woodley.
In more recent years, Lawler has scored victories over UFC Hall of Fame inductee Donald ‘Cowboy’ Cerrone and fan-favorite Nick Diaz. His last stand at UFC 290 will be his 46th career fight.
UFC 290 Main Card Revealed
- Alexander Volkanovski vs. Brandon Moreno
- Brandon Moreno vs. Alexandre Pantoja
- Robert Whittaker vs. Dricus Du Plessis
- Jalin Turner vs. Dan Hooker
- Bo Nickal vs. Tresean Gore
