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The career of a Welterweight legend is officially coming to an end in 2023. During an announcement on Wednesday, UFC President Dana White revealed that former 170-pound champion and UFC Hall of Famer Robbie Lawler would be retiring at UFC 290, which is scheduled for July 8 at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada. Lawler’s opponent will be Niko Price,
“I found Robbie Lawler when he was 19 years old,” White said (via MMA Junkie). “UFC 290 will be final fight of his amazing 22 year career.”
It shouldn’t be a huge surprise that Lawler is hanging up the gloves at 41 years of age. Since losing the title in July 2016, “Ruthless” has really struggled inside the cage. He’s lost five of his last six bouts, defeating Nick Diaz via strikes to earn his sole victory in that span. He has lost mostly to ranked contenders and did earn “Fight of the Night” honors opposite Bryan Barberena last time out, but it’s been clear that Lawler’s career was winding down.
As for Price, “The Hybrid” is struggling a bit himself. He’s won just once in his last five bouts, as well as dealt with a significant knee injury that kept him out of the cage for just over a year. Still, Price is a fan favorite, because he can always be counted on to fight hard to the final bell and chase the finish.
All in all, it’s a very reasonable final fight for a beloved former champion. There is, however, one minor bit of controversy, as it’s been revealed that Lawler’s retirement will take place on the undercard. Hopefully, there will be time on air for a speech, because “Ruthless” deserves to have a final moment in the cage in front of the largest audience possible.
Insomnia
I have to say, UFC 290 looks considerably better than UFC 288 and UFC 289 to my eyes.
Here’s a look at the #UFC290 prelims! pic.twitter.com/hvmUgJ40zi
— Tyo (@pileofpops) May 10, 2023
Michael Chandler fights more like a young guy now that he’s old, and he still looks 30. I understand Nate’s confusion!
Nate Diaz: Michael Chandler’s a young guy…I don’t know how old he is. pic.twitter.com/MJFUNADgq5
— Borrachinha Depot (@FullContactMTWF) May 10, 2023
A pair of absolutely banger Featherweight match ups have been added to UFC London!
Nathaniel Wood will fight Andre Fili at #UFCLondon on July 22nd. (first rep. @phre ) #UFC #MMA #UFCESPN #UFC2023 pic.twitter.com/RWUI8p9UVl
— Marcel Dorff (@BigMarcel24) May 10, 2023
BREAKING
Lerone Murphy returns on July 22nd in London. The undefeated fighter out of Manchester takes on the Australian Joshua Culibao at featherweight. #UFCLondon pic.twitter.com/S2C7yhLf3F
— Marcel Dorff (@BigMarcel24) May 10, 2023
A tremendous prompt! Far from the absolute lowest, but I remember recently being incensed by Jake Matthews refusing to wrestle opposite Matthew Semelsberger and instead getting dropped repeatedly
Is this still the lowest IQ moment in the UFC octagon? pic.twitter.com/8gONUe63F5
— MMA² (@mma_squared) May 9, 2023
Alex Pereira is back in the gym, flowing on the bag.
Back ! pic.twitter.com/JCraapCzPS
— Alex “Poatan” Pereira (@AlexPereiraUFC) May 10, 2023
Petr Yan is just randomly punking people on Muay Thai street in Phuket — you have to laugh!
Yan fake charged at bro pic.twitter.com/AsU7NEJAcI
— Art of Yan (@Petr_is_Art) May 9, 2023
Is this real? There’s no way this is real. Right?
this is derek. https://t.co/sRmtrmMuat pic.twitter.com/Ab6W5VQ8VT
— boomgirl (@THERealBoomgirl) May 9, 2023
Slips, rips, and KO clips
Not a finish, but a lovely sequence.
— Benjamin (@AJKFenjoyer) May 10, 2023
Tejada kept it weird in more ways than one.
Awesome set up and transition to the armbar by Eduardo Tejada. And then he celebrates by.. licking the cage? #FuryFC79 pic.twitter.com/Vz0lAv18nW
— caposa (@Grabaka_Hitman) May 7, 2023
The left hook to the liver claims another victim.
Random Land
I have to assume these are fake weights …
Midnight Music: Classic rock, 1968
Sleep well Maniacs! More martial arts madness is always on the way.