UFC 173's Robbie Lawler: I want more out of myself, plain and simple

Contrary to popular belief, Robbie Lawler doesn’t think he’s rushing back to action after his epic March clash with Johny Hendricks. Instead, “Ruthless” believes it’s important to come back quickly and show his improvements.

“I was ready to go,” Lawler told MMAjunkie Radio. “Right place, right time. My body feels good, and I’m mentally ready to go.”

Lawler, of course, came up just short in an incredible five-round bid for the UFC’s welterweight title that was named MMAjunkie’s “Fight of the Month.” Afterward, Lawler took just one week off and went immediately back to the gym.

While other fighters might have preferred a little more recovery time after such a slugfest, Lawler said he could think of nothing other than getting back to business.

“I came up a little short, but I gave it my all that night,” Lawler said. “Props to Johny Hendricks. He got a decision, and it’s time to get better.

“I want more out of myself, plain and simple. I want to pack more of me into those 25 minutes. It’s not necessarily going 25 minutes; it’s doing more in those 25 minutes. That’s something I’m going to work on.”

Lawler (22-10 MMA, 7-4 UFC) won’t have to wait long. Just two weeks after his loss to Hendricks, the 32-year-old slugger agreed to meet fellow top-ranked welterweight Jake Ellenberger (29-7 MMA, 8-3 UFC) at UFC 173, which takes place May 24 at Las Vegas’ MGM Grand Garden Arena and airs on pay-per-view.

“It’s a huge fight,” Lawler said. “Really tough opponent. Really good wrestler. Knockout power, so I have to be sharp. I have to be at my best to win this fight, and that’s what I plan to be.

“It was just a good opportunity to get back in there and work on my skills. My body feels really good, and I’m still building and still becoming a better fighter.”

Should he prove victorious, Lawler would certainly keep his name in the discussion for a future title shot. There are a few names in front of his for now, but Lawler said he’s not all that worried about where exactly he ranks, anyway. For Lawler, a man that’s fighting professionally since 2001, he believes he’s just now reaching his prime. And with that in mind, the focus isn’t on matchmaking.

“I’m working on all the skills it takes to be the best in the world,” Lawler said. “I don’t really worry too much about other guys. My coaches do that, and I just worry about getting my body ready to go.”

For the latest on UFC 173, stay tuned to the UFC Rumors section of the site.

MMAjunkie Radio broadcasts Monday-Friday at noon ET (9 a.m. PT) live from Mandalay Bay Resort & Casino’s Race & Sports Book. The show is hosted by “Gorgeous” George Garcia, MMAjunkie lead staff reporter John Morgan and producer Brian “Goze” Garcia. For more information or to download past episodes, go to www.mmajunkie.com/radio.

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