Welterweight champion “Ruthless” Robbie Lawler is set to defend his title against third-ranked contender Tyron Woodley in the UFC 201 main event in Atlanta on July 30. UFC officials announced the bout on Tuesday.
Woodley (15-3) is riding a two-fight winning streak. He last competed in January 2015, defeating Kelvin Gastelum by split decision at UFC 183.
Woodley and Lawler are teammates at American Top Team in Coconut Creek, Fla., and “T-Wood” reacted to the news of his title shot via Twitter shortly following the announcement.
July 30th it will be an @americantopteam Civil War! It was #BrosBeforeBlow & will B the same after @Ruthless_RL @ufc pic.twitter.com/JXND6T64TF
— Tyron T-Wood Woodley (@TWooodley) May 17, 2016
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Lawler (27-10, 1 NC) captured the title by narrowly defeating former champion Johny Hendricks at UFC 181 in December 2014. He’s defended the title twice, against Rory MacDonald and Carlos Condit. The fight with Woodley will be Lawler’s third title defense.
UFC 201: Lawler vs. Woodley takes place at Philips Arena in downtown Atlanta. It will be the third time the UFC has hosted an event in Georgia’s capital.
