Yesterday we learned that the UFC has booked a welterweight matchup that fans should really be excited about. MMA Fighting was the first to report yesterday that former welterweight champion “Ruthless” Robbie Lawler (29-15) is back as he takes on the entertaining Bryan Barberena (17-8).
The matchup will take place at UFC 276 on July 2nd. This card is really starting to bring some heat and these welterweights are definitely going to deliver. Bryan Barberena is going to be entering the octagon on a two-fight winning streak.
The last time we saw him was at UFC Columbus when he took on Ohio’s own Matt Brown. It was a close fight, but Barberena was able to capture the split decision victory much to the displeasure of the crowd. After the fight, Barberena revealed he had fought out his UFC contract.
He stated that he either wanted a new contract with the promotion or he was going to retire. Barberena didn’t want to go anywhere and the UFC wanted him to keep fighting. Thus, he gets a new deal and a shot against the former welterweight champ.
Former UFC Champion Returns
Robbie Lawler will make the walk in July for the first time since his rematch with Nick Diaz that took place at UFC 266. Lawler was able to score the TKO win in the third round of a back-and-forth fight.
That win snapped a career worst four-fight losing streak for the former champion. Back in 2016, Lawler was on top of the UFC. He was the welterweight champion and he had won five fights in a row including two title defenses.
Then, he was knocked out by Tyron Woodley and lost his belt. That loss started a streak that saw Lawler go 1-5 in six UFC fights. At 40 years old, many wondered if Lawler would walk away after his Nick Diaz win at UFC 266.
However, Lawler wants to keep going and he’s doing what he’s always done, taken tough fights. This should be a tremendously entertaining bout in July.