“Ruthless” is a Hall of Famer (again)
During the UFC 313 broadcast last night (Sat., March 8, 2025), it was announced that former Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) Welterweight champion Robbie Lawler will be enshrined into the UFC Hall of Fame this coming June during International Fight Week.
“Robbie Lawler is one of the most badass athletes to every step inside the Octagon,” UFC CEO Dana White said in a press release. “Robbie was an absolute killer, and I have a ton of respect for his toughness and his fighting style, which helped grow the sport of MMA and UFC by attracting a lot of new fans. Robbie had an amazing career, and it will be an honor to induct him into the UFC Hall of Fame this summer.”
Watch the awesome promo video below:
Lawler (30-16) returned to the UFC after nearly 10 years and went on the run of his career. He knocked out Josh Koscheck in his return fight and then won two more fights to get a crack at UFC gold against Johny Hendricks at UFC 171 in March 2014. However, he came up short, losing a unanimous decision that turned out to be Fight of the Year. In December 2014, after winning two fights, he rematched Hendricks and won the title.
His first title defense came against Rory MacDonald in what some consider the greatest UFC fight ever (watch highlights).
Photo by Christian Petersen/Zuffa LLC/Zuffa LLC via Getty Images
“Ruthless” would defend the title one more time in another ‘Fight of the Year’ against Carlos Condit at UFC 195. Lawler lost his Welterweight title against Tyron Woodley and then went on a four-fight losing streak (after he beat Donald Cerrone).
In 2023, Lawler had his retirement fight against Niko Price and knocked him out in 38 seconds (watch highlights).
“Ruthless” Robbie Lawler’s legacy is absolutely incredible. He will always be remembered for the violence he brought to mixed martial arts (MMA) and his career turnaround that no one saw coming.
This story originally appeared on MMA Mania
