The first UFC event at Madison Square Garden may have taken a major hit during its planning phase. Former welterweight champion Robbie Lawler is reportedly out of his expected fight against Donald “Cowboy” Cerrone, according to a report by TMZ.com.
On Wednesday, UFC president Dana White told CBS radio host Anthony Lima that the former 170-pound titleholder and Cerrone had been signed for the November 12 event in New York City. Two days removed from White’s announcement, the fight fell apart when Lawler reportedly withdrew for unknown reasons.
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According to the report, Cerrone will remain on the inaugural NYC fight card against a new opponent.
Lawler won the welterweight title in 2014, defeating Johny Hendricks by split decision at UFC 181. He successfully defended the belt twice before losing to Tyron Woodley by knockout at UFC 201 on July 30.
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