MMA star ‘Ruthless’ Robbie Lawler got more than he bargained for after a KO victory in Hawaii, when his opponents’ sister stepped into the ring looking for payback.
At the time, Lawler’s first stint in the UFC had just ended and he signed up to face another former UFC fighter, Falaniko Vitale at SuperBrawl: Icon in Hawaii for the promotion’s middleweight title.
Vitale was the champion at the time, holding a 20-3 record and was a local hero in his native Hawaii, so much of the 6000 strong, passionate crowd was cheering him on that night, providing an electric atmosphere.
The bout was closely contested for the most part and both men were having their moments.
However, with 30 seconds to go in the second round, Lawler landed a big knee from the clinch to the head of Vitale, rocking him, then immediately followed up with two hard hooks to the jaw that collapsed his adversary in a heap to the canvas.
Lawler lifted his hands in celebration momentarily, but the referee hadn’t stopped the fight, so he dropped down to his knees with a thunderous hammerfist, and then another.
That prompted the referee to finally waved off the fight and Lawler put a consoling hand on his opponent’s back for a few seconds, before standing up.
Meanwhile, Vitale’s sister had entered the ring, apparently furious at the seemingly unnecessary punches that Lawler had landed, even though the blame seemed to lie more with the referee who was slow to react.
In a rage, she hurled a drink that landed at Lawler’s feet, and then charged after him, appearing to throw a knee and shove him before others moved in and separated them.
To his credit, Lawler never attempted to retaliate, simply holding up his hands, indicating that he didn’t want any trouble.
Despite the unsavory scenes, less than a year later the two fighters would meet again in Hawaii for the Icon Sports title, with Lawler again emerging victorious via first round knockout.
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Several years later, Lawler would find his way back to the UFC, and embark on an impressive winning streak that would result in him winning the welterweight title, and he’s currently preparing for his third consecutive defense of the belt later this year.
