There have been many notable welterweights throughout MMA history. Many have gone on to become dominant champions and fan favorites. Robbie Lawler is considered one of the most popular and well-known welterweights of all time.
The San Diego native is a powerful brawler whose exciting style has resulted in countless memorable performances over the years. Lawler has competed in several MMA promotions and has even captured the UFC welterweight championship. He continues to compete in the UFC while approaching the end of a long and prosperous career. The former champion will surely be remembered for his knockout power no-quit mentality.
10 Lawler Has Competed In Five Major MMA Promotions
Although Lawler's peak years are when he competed in the UFC, the Florida resident has competed in Elite XC, Strikeforce, IFL, and PRIDE as well. Lawler's talent as a knockout artist has resulted in many memorable performances during his time in all five major promotions.
He realized the majority of his success between 2013 and 2016 when he competed in the UFC and won the UFC welterweight championship.
9 He Has Trained At Three Top Tier MMA Gyms
Lawler has trained with some of the best fight teams in the world throughout his career. He spent time training at Miletich Fighting Systems and American Top Team before making Sanford MMA his latest home in 2017.
He has trained with some of the best fighters in the world including Gilbert Burns, Kamaru Usman, and Vicente Luque.
8 He Started His Career 7-0 (Six Knockouts)
At the beginning of his career, Lawler was one of the most feared up and comers in the MMA world. He compiled a 7-0 undefeated record which included six wins by knockout. His first fight in the UFC was in 2022 and he defeated Aaron Riley by unanimous decision.
Lawler suffered his first loss to Pete Spratt in 2003 by a TKO leg injury.
7 He Has Won Three Consecutive Fight of the Year Awards
It is not surprising that the former champion has recorded three consecutive fights of the year. Lawler is known for his aggressive fighting style which has resulted in many notable performances.
His performances at UFC 171, UFC 189, and UFC 195 earned him the fight of the year's awards from Sherdog and MMA Fighting.
6 He Trained Both Taekwondo and Karate At An Early Age
Lawler started his mixed martial arts journey by training Taekwondo at eight years old. He started training karate as well two years later. After graduating from high school, Lawler joined Miletich Fighting Systems and began training under the watchful eye of Pat Miletich.
5 He Is Married To Marcia Suzanne Lawler And Is A Father
Robbie Lawler has never been one to crave much attention or establish himself as a dominant personality in the world of mixed martial arts. Instead, he has kept a low-profile personality and lets his fighting do the talking.
Lawler is a family man at heart and is married to his wife Marcia. The couple has a son as well.
4 He Has Had 12 Title Fights Throughout His Career
Throughout his illustrious career, Lawler has competed in a whopping 12 title fights. This includes his time spent in ICON, EliteXC, Strikeforce, and UFC.
Six of his title bouts took place in the UFC between 2014 and 2016. He competed a whopping four times in 2014 and two of the fights were title bouts against Johny Hendricks.
3 He Fought Rory MacDonald Twice In The UFC
Robbie Lawler and Rory MacDonald met inside the octagon for the first time at UFC 167. The fight was extremely close going into the third round, but a late knockdown by Lawler gave him the edge to win a split decision victory over the Canadian.
The two met for a second time at UFC 189 for the UFC welterweight championship. MacDonald started to land on Lawler consistently in rounds three and four which sent the champion in survival mode. Stunningly, Lawler was able to survive and defeat MacDonald by knockout in round five to retain his title. It is considered one of the best fights in UFC history.
2 He Competed At Middleweight Between 2004 And 2012
Despite competing in the welterweight division for the first 10 fights of his career, Lawler elected to move up to middleweight after suffering his knockout loss to Nick Diaz. He won the SuperBrawl middleweight championship, ICON Sport middleweight championship, and EliteXC middleweight championship between 2005 and 2008.
Lawler returned to welterweight in 2013 when he rejoined the UFC roster, but competed at middleweight in his most recent UFC bout against Nick Diaz in 2021.
1 He Is A Knockout Machine
This one is obvious, but highlighting just how powerful and feared Lawler was during his prime is a must. 'Ruthless" has compiled 21 victories by knockout and is responsible for some of the most notable and vicious knockouts in MMA history.
His knockout victories over Matt Lindland and Melvin Manhoef while competing in Strikeforce are must-watch highlights for fans who have not seen the power of Lawler. The five-time MMA champion is quickly approaching retirement and will look to end his career with a bang.