Robbie Lawler Talks Return to the UFC and the Welterweight Division

Robbie Lawler hasn’t fought in the UFC in nearly a decade.  He debuted in the organization at UFC 37 in May 2002 at the age of 20.  He had a seven-fight stint inside the Octagon, going 4-3.  His last fight under the UFC banner was at UFC 50 in 2004 where he lost to former champion Evan Tanner by submission.

Lawler returns at UFC 157: Rousey vs. Carmouche on Saturday against Josh Koscheck.

“It’s exciting.  I didn’t realize it was that long.  It makes me feel old.  I’m excited to fight.  I’ve been training hard and this is a great opportunity and I’m happy to be here,” Lawler said during the UFC 157 pre-fight press conference.

Now 30, Lawler feels he’s more prepared than he was when he first arrived in the UFC.

“This is the big show.  I think the first time I was here, I didn’t really want to do everything.  I just wanted to fight, just come in here and fight.  I didn’t want to do the PR.  I didn’t want to talk to the media.  Now I think I’m ready for that.  I’m excited to be here,” he said.

After leaving the UFC, Lawler fought in several promotions: ICON Sport, International Fight League, Pride, EliteXC, and Strikeforce.  Most of that time, he competed as a middleweight.  UFC 157 isn’t only his return to the UFC, it’s also his return to the welterweight division.

“Guys were cutting a lot of weight, and I was kind of walking around at the weight I was fighting at, which I like to do. I like to fight and compete and I think for me to fight at a higher level, I think I need to cut a little bit of weight,” Lawler said about returning to the 170-pound weight class.

“I knew I was going to come back to the UFC and I wanted to cut down to 170 when I did it.”

Lawler expects a war with Koscheck.

“Josh has got a lot of fights in the UFC.  He’s a big, strong wrestler with strong stand-up and it’s going to be a war.  I’m ready to go.”