Robbie Lawler doesn't expect Matt Brown matchup to provide 'Fight of the Year'

SAN JOSE – UFC officials are billing Saturday’s Robbie Lawler vs. Matt Brown matchup as a potential “Fight of the Year.” Lawler sure doesn’t see it that way.

“I’m not trying to go in there and mess around,” Lawler told MMAjunkie. “He’s a really good opponent, but I’m not looking to go back and forth. I’m looking to dictate and dominate this fight. That’s what I trained to do.”

Lawler (23-10 MMA, 8-4 UFC) and Brown (19-11 MMA, 12-5 UFC) headline Saturday’s “UFC on FOX 12: Lawler vs. Brown” event, which takes place at SAP Center in San Jose, Calif. Eight of the night’s 12 contests, including the main event, air on FOX.

The winner earns a shot at UFC welterweight champion Johny Hendricks later this year.

For the resurgent Lawler, the bout marks his third appearance in a four-month span, a run that includes a win over Jake Ellenberger, as well as a championship loss to Hendricks. It’s been a busy stretch for the 13-year veteran, but Lawler believes the work has served him well.

“I’m staying healthy; that’s the thing,” Lawler said. “I didn’t have to go into of these last two camps trying to get in shape, so I could work on things. I could work on fine-tuning skills and just getting better day to day.”

Brown, of course, is lauded for his durability, and while Lawler is considered one of the heaviest hitters in all of MMA, his opponent won’t be an easy out. Still, “Ruthless” said he’s just worried about doing what he does best and not what challenges his opponent might provide.

“I’m just working on my technique,” Lawler said. “I’m not looking to finish. Those things come with technique and the right opportunity.”

Stylistically, it really doesn’t seem like Lawler vs. Brown could possibly prove a boring contest. But Lawler isn’t worried about putting on some back-and-forth contest. Instead, he’s looking to put Brown down in rapid fashion and get another shot at a belt.

“I’m a professional athlete,” Lawler said. “I’m fighting on FOX. This is a huge opportunity.”

To hear Lawler address the media at Thursday’s UFC on FOX 12 pre-fight media workouts, check out the video above.

For more on UFC on FOX 12, stay tuned to the UFC Rumors section of the site.