Lawler defends welterweight belt vs MacDonald at UFC 189

Nissi Icasiano

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Lawler defends welterweight belt vs MacDonald at UFC 189
Robbie Lawler defends welterweight belt against Rory MacDonald at UFC 189

MANILA, Philippines – Filipino-American fighter Robbie Lawler will defend the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) welterweight title for the first time against Rory MacDonald in a rematch at the UFC 189 pay-per-view event on July 11 (July 12 in PH).

UFC president Dana White publicly confirmed the fight booking on Thursday, February 19 (PH Time) during the promotion’s press conference regarding its new drug testing policies.

Both men first crossed paths in November 2013 at UFC 167, where Lawler walked away with a split decision victory over MacDonald.

The 32-year-old Lawler (25-10) is coming off a title-winning performance at UFC 181 this past December as he edged out Johny Hendricks via split verdict in their second encounter to bring home the UFC gold-plated belt.

Lawler, who resurrected his prizefighting career after dropping from middleweight to welterweight, has been victorious in six of his last seven Octagon appearances.

On the other hand, MacDonald (18-2) was originally penciled to face Hector Lombard at April’s UFC 186, but the bout was cancelled when his opponent tested positive for anabolic steroid.

MacDonald will finally receive the title shot that was promised to him by UFC’s top brass following his third-round stoppage of Tarec Saffiedine last October.

Since his disappointing setback to Lawler, the 25-year-old “Red King” has piled up three-straight triumphs, thumping the likes of Demian Maia, Tyron Woodley and Saffiedine.

The welterweight championship clash between Lawler and MacDonald will serve as the co-featured attraction for UFC 189 that is headlined by a featherweight title showdown between current titleholder Jose Aldo and Conor McGregor.

UFC 189 is scheduled to take place at the 16,800-seater MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada. – Rappler.com

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