Fight Archives: Lawler and MacDonald batter each other in FOTY

Photo by Josh Hedges/Zuffa LLC/Zuffa LLC via Getty Images

Four years before the UFC’s first “BMF” fight, this savagery happened.

If you’re a Robbie Lawler fan, you’re probably not as thrilled to be one these days. On Saturday, the “Ruthless” one racked up his fourth straight loss courtesy of Neil Magny.

So I thought it would be fitting to revisit one of his most iconic victories. A fight that in my opinion, was the real headliner of UFC 189. When Lawler went toe-to-toe with Rory MacDonald in a rematch that became the instant bet for 2015’s Fight of the Year.

It was refreshing to see this version of Lawler. He was more calculated with his strikes, landing crisp combinations and throwing less caution to the wind. He found a lot of success in the pocket and had MacDonald’s nose leaking like a busted pipe as early as the second round.

MacDonald turned the volume up in the third round, and continued to press the action in the championship rounds. He also returned the favor by cutting up Lawler’s upper lip. That right there was a sight to behold.

Blood, violence, and an all-out barnburner. It had the makings of a classic fight right from the get-go, and we loved every moment of it.

At this point in his career, it might be a while before we get to see another vintage performance from Robbie Lawler. But we will always have this fight to look back on.