Robbie Lawler vs. Rory MacDonald targeted for UFC 167

A planned welterweight matchup with big implications for the division’s title picture is set for this fall.

Several days after UFC President Dana White confirmed that the promotion would book a fight between Rory MacDonald (15-1 MMA, 6-1 UFC) and Robbie Lawler (21-9 MMA, 6-3 UFC), MMAjunkie.com (www.mmajunkie.com) has learned the fight is targeted for UFC 167, a pay-per-view event that takes place Nov. 16 at Las Vegas’ MGM Grand Garden Arena.

Following the initial report, UFC officials confirmed the booking.

Both fighters are coming off significant wins and could take a step closer to a title shot with a win, which may or may not put the UFC in an awkward position.

MacDonald, who recently outpointed Jake Ellenberger in a lackluster affair at UFC on FOX 8, has said he will not fight training partner and welterweight champ Georges St-Pierre. He might not have to, however.

St-Pierre headlines UFC 167 against challenger Johny Hendricks, who many believe could be the first person to beat him in six years.

Lawler, who knocked out Bobby Volker with a head kick just prior to MacDonald’s win, will do his best to make the issue moot. The former EliteXC champion is surging since rejoining the UFC with the shuttering of Strikeforce earlier this year, earning back-to-back knockouts over such opponents as Voelker and onetime welterweight title challenger Josh Koscheck.

As of late, White has been far more generous in his praise of Lawler than MacDonald, whose performance he blasted following UFC on FOX 8.

“Rory didn’t do anything to try and finish [Ellenberger] and put a stamp on it and make a statement, not only to the world, but to the guys that are in the division.”

Despite his criticism, White is adamant that MacDonald will fight St-Pierre if the opportunity comes.

“If you don’t think he wants to be the world champion and make the kind of money that Georges St-Pierre makes, you’re crazy, my friend,” White told reporters prior to the July 27 event.

For more on UFC 167, stay tuned to the UFC Rumors section of the site.

(Pictured: Rory MacDonald)