One of the best title fights in UFC history will finally get the recognition it deserves. Robbie Lawler vs Rory MacDonald 2 will be the newest addition to the UFC Hall of Fame fight wing. At UFC 189, Robbie Lawler and Rory MacDonald competed in what was 2015’s Fight of the Year. Both men display toughness, grit, and determination that fans of the sport will not soon forget. At the time, Lawler was the reigning 170-pound champion of the world and defeated MacDonald via Split Decision previously at UFC 167 in 2013.

In his prime, Lawler was known for his aggressive brawling style that perfectly fit his nickname “Ruthless.” MacDonald was the star pupil of well-respected coach Firas Zahabi and the main training partner for George St. Pierre. Coming into this epic title fight, Macdonald held impressive victories over Nate Diaz, Tyron Woodley, and UFC Hall of Famer B.J. Penn.

Lawler’s Resurgence and Classic Fight

Lawler was amid the greatest career resurgence the sport of mixed martial arts had ever seen. Lawler burst on the UFC scene at 20 years of age, knocking out contenders Tiki Ghosn and Steve Berger in 2002. Setbacks to Nick Diaz and Evan Tanner left Lawler looking for answers in his young career. Lawler left the UFC in 2004 and would later fight for the Pride Fighting Championships and Strikeforce before rejoining the UFC in 2013 as part of the Strikeforce-UFC buyout. Lawler would go on to win six of his next seven fights, capturing UFC gold against Johnny Hendricks.

When MacDonald and Lawler met for the second time, both fighters laid everything on the line. MacDonald looked tremendous in defeat and was ahead on the judge’s scorecards until the fifth-round stoppage. MacDonald looked like he was going to finish Lawler in the third round after landing a damaging head kick. Lawler was badly hurt against the cage and was getting hit with beautiful combinations of elbows and punches.

Lawler was able to dig deep and survive the third round. In round four, Lawler fought his way back into the fight, busting open his nose of MacDonald. As round four concluded, Lawler and MacDonald stood bloody, staring at one another in what would be one of the most famous photographs in MMA history. Neither competitor was going to give in. In round five, Lawler completely shattered the nose of MacDonald with a stinging left hand forcing legendary referee “Big” John McCarthy to stop the fight.

Historical Significance

Lawler vs MacDonald 2 is widely regarded as one of the most damaging title fights in UFC history. Dana White stated at the post-fight press conference, “This fight was a war…It was a complete display of chin, heart, grit, dogged determination, and the will to win”. Neither Lawler nor MacDonald was ever really the same. MacDonald would lose his next fight to Stephen Thompson and then left the UFC for Bellator. MacDonald would end up going 5-7 over the rest of his career in Bellator and the PFL. Lawler would defend his title once more against Carlos Condit in a fight that won 2016’s Fight of the Year.

From 2014-2016, Lawler won Fight of the Year for three consecutive years. No other fighter has had two of these accolades in their career; Lawler had three in three years. Lawler was one of the most entertaining fighters that ever competed in the UFC, but his fan-friendly style would soon catch up with him. After his fight with Condit, Lawler would be viscously knocked out by Tyron Woodley. Lawler has gone 2-6 since his fight with Rory MacDonald and is still fighting for the UFC at 41 years old.

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