Lawler to be inducted into UFC Hall of Fame
Former UFC welterweight champion Robbie Lawler will be inducted into the UFC Hall of Fame as part of the 2025 class this summer, the promotion announced Saturday night.
Lawler was cageside at UFC 313 in Las Vegas when play-by-play commentator Jon Anik revealed the news. He grew emotional and received a huge applause from the crowd.
One of the most entertaining and beloved fighters of all time, Lawler competed in the UFC from 2002-04 and then again from 2013-2023. He fought for several other promotions - including Strikeforce, PRIDE FC, and EliteXC - between his two Octagon stints.
Lawler somewhat unexpectedly rose to title contention after returning to the UFC and defeated Johny Hendricks in 2014 to become the 170-pound champion. He successfully defended the title twice, besting Rory MacDonald and Carlos Condit in consecutive Fight of the Year candidates before losing to Tyron Woodley in 2016.
Lawler's July 2015 fight against MacDonald - which he won via fifth-round TKO - was inducted into the UFC Hall of Fame in 2023.
The 42-year-old announced his retirement from MMA in July 2023 after a 38-second knockout win over Niko Price at UFC 290. He finished his career with a 15-10 record in the UFC and a 30-16 (1 NC) record as a professional.
Lawler has taken on a coaching role at the Kill Cliff FC gym in Florida since retiring from competition.