Robbie Lawler vs. Matt Brown Headlines UFC on FOX 12 with Title Shot on the Line

Since returning to the UFC last February, Robbie Lawler has fought five times, and he’s not slowing down.

UFC president Dana White on Tuesday announced that Lawler will square off with Matt Brown in the UFC on FOX 12 main event on July 26 in Sacramento, Calif.

Not only is the bout already a Fight of the Year candidate in most pundits’ eyes, White said that the winner of the fight is guaranteed the next shot at UFC welterweight champion Johny Hendricks.

Yes winner of Lawler vs Brown gets the next shot at the title

— Dana White (@danawhite) May 27, 2014

Lawler (23-10, 1 NC) is amidst an amazing career resurgence that has seen him win four of his last five fights in the Octagon. His only loss was via a narrow decision to Hendricks when the two fought to fill the vacancy left by former 170-pound kingpin Georges St-Pierre.

Once again making a quick return, Lawler is fresh off of a third-round stoppage of Jake Ellenberger at Saturday’s UFC 173 in Las Vegas.

Brown (19-11), like Lawler, is also experiencing the most impressive stretch of his career. Fresh off of a main event drubbing of Erick Silva, Brown has won his last seven fights.

While detractors point to Brown having not faced a Top 10 opponent during his current run, a convincing victory over Lawler would surely put such concerns to rest, and prove him worthy of a title shot.

UFC on FOX 12 also features a light heavyweight bout pitting Anthony Johnson against the returning Antonio Rogerio Nogueira.

Check out the MMAWeekly.com UFC and MMA Rumors section for all the latest on UFC on FOX 12 and numerous other fight cards.