Lawler: I want to get in his face and get a knockout
Robbie Lawler: “I’m just going go out there and be me, get in Rory’s face and get a knockout. I don’t really concentrate on the promotion as much, I’m just going to be me.”
Robbie Lawler defends his UFC welterweight title for the first time against Rory MacDonald at UFC 189. The fight is a rematch for Lawler, who previously beat MacDonald by split decision to earn his first title shot, but this time Lawler is looking not to just win, but to knockout his opponent:
It’s just business as usual, Lawler told MMAjunkie. If I had to carry the show, I’d do that. But I’m just going go out there and be me, get in Rory’s face and get a knockout. I don’t really concentrate on the promotion as much, I’m just going to be me.
Lawler and MacDonald first fought at UFC 167 where Lawler earned a split decision victory. That win was part of the surprising tear Lawler went on that led to a UFC championship.
Prior to returning to the UFC at UFC 157, Lawler had lost three of his previous four bouts in Strikeforce. A return to the octagon – and welterweight – brought new life to the 35-fight veteran’s career.
He isn’t overlooking MacDonald because of their prior meeting, he says. Something that may well be inspired by that rough patch.
I respect everyone in the cage, but it’s all about me going out there and showcasing what I’m capable of and all the hard work that I’ve put in, Lawler said. In the last seven months I’ve grown as a fighter. I’ve continued to grow every fight and I’m going to showcase it.